Red spitting cobra (Naja pallida)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Red spitting cobra (Naja pallida) (origin: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia)). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Red spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Red spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot 35–37 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Red spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Red spitting cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Red spitting cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–37 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, rock structures, hides
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia)
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a spitting cobra; a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. Adult red spitting cobras eat their own kind and other snakes, and when feeding they strike at anything that moves – one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. Juveniles are raised singly. For breeding, put animals of similar size together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
A brilliant red-brown spitting cobra of the dry regions. It spits early and from any position – eye protection even for routine work.
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 Red spitting cobra (Naja pallida) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Sand-loam, rock structures, hides), 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/Red_spitting_cobra, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=pallida, 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).