Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus) (origin: Northern Australia, southern New Guinea). Adult size around 60–90 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rough-scaled death adder: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 120×70×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders).
Rough-scaled death adder: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot 36–38 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Rough-scaled death adder: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Rough-scaled death adder: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Rough-scaled death adder: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 36–38 °C
- Humidity
- 45–60 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 120×70×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with leaf litter, so they can dig
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Northern Australia, southern New Guinea
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal; captive-bred animals only
- Brumation
- No pronounced rest period
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A tropical death adder with strongly keeled scales. A little warmer and more humid than A. antarcticus. An ambush hunter with a tail lure.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) – Expert
- Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
- Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 120×70×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders)), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, so they can dig), 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/Acanthophis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough-scaled_death_adder, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Acanthophis&species=rugosus, https://www.smuggled.com/adder1.htm, https://www.wildlifedemonstrations.com/post/commonly-asked-questions-answered-for-this-species-of-death-adder
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).