Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis) (origin: The Philippines). Adult size around 100–160 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Philippine cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 240×120×120 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Philippine cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–31 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Philippine cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Philippine cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Philippine cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 240×120×120 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Soil and sand, hides, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–160 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- The Philippines
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – one of the strongest neurotoxins among the cobras; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. The species also eats other snakes, strikes at anything that moves when feeding and spits a long way – one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
Considered one of the most venomous cobras there is; respiratory paralysis can set in very quickly. It spits as well. Only with secured access to antivenom.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
- Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – Expert
- Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) – Expert
- Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) – Expert
- Cape cobra (Naja nivea) – Expert
- Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Expert
- Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 240×120×120 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Soil and sand, hides, a water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_cobra, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=philippinensis, https://academy.herpeton.net/en/caresheets/snakes/naja-naja/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).