Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) (origin: Southern and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania). Adult size around 100–160 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Tiger snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×70×60 cm.
Tiger snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 32–34 °C, at night 14–18 °C.
Tiger snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Tiger snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Tiger snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 14–18 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–34 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×70×60 cm
- Substrate
- Soil with grass structure, hides, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice, fish, amphibian substitutes
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–160 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Southern and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a strong neurotoxin; a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–12 °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
A temperate climate with a genuine winter rest – to be kept markedly cooler than tropical elapids. Semi-aquatic, and fond of swimming.
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What you need to start
To keep Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×70×60 cm), substrate (Soil with grass structure, 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gew%C3%B6hnliche_Tigerotter, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Notechis&species=scutatus
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).