Tatar sand boa (Eryx tataricus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Tatar sand boa (Eryx tataricus) (origin: Central Asia – steppe and semi-desert). Adult size around 70–100 cm. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Tatar sand boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 80×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, sand boas, burrowing snakes).
Tatar sand boa: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 36 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Tatar sand boa: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Tatar sand boa: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Tatar sand boa: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 36 °C
- Humidity
- 30–45 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 80×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, sand boas, burrowing snakes)
- Substrate
- Fine sand-loam 12–18 cm, flat stones, a small water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice of a suitable size
- Feeding interval
- every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Central Asia – steppe and semi-desert
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–14 °C
- 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
The largest Eryx species in central Asia. It needs a genuine, cold winter rest – without it there is no breeding. Live-bearing and decidedly straightforward in care.
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Related species
- Egyptian sand boa (Eryx colubrinus colubrinus) – Beginner
- Arabian sand boa (Eryx jayakari) – Beginner to intermediate
- Red sand boa (Eryx johnii) – Intermediate
- Kenyan sand boa (Eryx colubrinus loveridgei) – Beginner
- Saharan sand boa (Eryx muelleri) – Beginner
- Dwarf sand boa (Eryx miliaris) – Beginner
- Javelin sand boa (Eryx jaculus) – Beginner
- Caatinga rainbow boa (Epicrates assisi) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Tatar sand boa (Eryx tataricus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, sand boas, burrowing snakes)), substrate (Fine sand-loam 12–18 cm, flat stones, a small water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, 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/Eryx_miliaris, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eryx_tataricus
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).