Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus) (origin: Taiwan, southern China, northern India – montane forest). Adult size around 80–130 cm. Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Taiwan habu: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×80 cm.
Taiwan habu: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Taiwan habu: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Taiwan habu: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Taiwan habu: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×80 cm
- Substrate
- A soil and leaf-litter mix, hides, low climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 80–130 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- Taiwan, southern China, northern India – montane forest
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a common cause of bites in Taiwan; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- 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
Slender, nocturnal, and fond of climbing. Considered nervous and fast — very ready to bolt when the terrarium is opened.
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Related species
- Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) – 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
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- Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm), substrate (A soil and leaf-litter mix, hides, low climbing branches), 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Protobothrops mucrosquamatus - Reproduction – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Protobothrops&species=mucrosquamatus, Wikipedia: Chinese habu, eierlegend – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protobothrops_mucrosquamatus, https://biosch.hku.hk/ecology/hkreptiles/snake/Protobothrops_mucrosquamatus.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protobothrops_mucrosquamatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Protobothrops&species=mucrosquamatus
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).