Bitis nasicornis

Terrestrial / semi-aquatic terrarium, humid tropical, SECURED for a venomous species (lockable closure, dual safety, venomous labelling)

A sedentary, ambush species: favour floor area and hides over height. Provide dense hides, loose litter, a few low sturdy branches (occasional climbing) and a large water point. The enclosure MUST be completely tamper-proof and operable at a distance (hooks/hatches) for the keeper's safety.

High, constant humidity is essential. Daily misting, substrate kept moist (never waterlogged) and good ventilation to prevent mould and stagnation. Humidity that is too low causes difficult sheds and respiratory infections.

A thick, moisture-retaining substrate allowing partial burrowing. Remove soiled areas immediately and rule out any permanently waterlogged substrate (risk of scale rot and blister disease).

A nocturnal/crepuscular species: UVB not strictly essential. Low UVB (index 1 to 2, forest type) can be beneficial if provided, with abundant shaded areas. Maintain a stable day/night photoperiod.

A large, stable container of clean water allowing partial immersion (a semi-aquatic species that enjoys soaking). Water renewed frequently. The water point also helps maintain humidity. Any intervention in the enclosure is done with restraint tools, never bare-handed.

Tropical rainforests and gallery forests of West and Central Africa (from Guinea and Liberia to Uganda and the Congo Basin). A species tied to forest floors, the banks of watercourses and marshy areas.

Carnivore (ambush predator) — Appropriately sized rodents (thawed prey); occasional amphibians and fish, especially in juveniles or wild specimens

In the wild, it feeds on amphibians, fish (occasionally) and small mammals. In captivity, a transition to thawed rodents is possible but sometimes tricky in wild-caught animals that favour aquatic prey. Feed at a distance with long tongs. Adult: one meal every 1 to 3 weeks; avoid overfeeding (obesity is common).

Litters generally smaller than in B. gabonica, but very brightly coloured neonates. The cycle is often stimulated by a seasonal variation in temperature/humidity. Breeding to be reserved for experienced breeders: the neonates are already venomous and dangerous from birth.

• Respiratory infections (linked to unsuitable or fluctuating humidity/temperature)
• Significant internal and external parasitism, especially in wild-caught animals (nematodes, mites)
• Difficult sheds (dysecdysis) from insufficient humidity
• Scale rot / blister disease on waterlogged, soiled substrate
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and food refusal / acclimatisation stress in wild specimens