False water cobra — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult False water cobra get?

An adult False water cobra typically measures 1.8–2.5 m.

Husbandry requirements

False water cobra — origin: Tropical and subtropical South America: the Amazon basin and the wetlands of the Pantanal (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Uruguay)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot32–35 °C

A diurnal, heliophilic species: a genuine basking hot spot (32-35 °C) is required, with a marked thermal gradient. A nighttime drop down to ~22 °C is acceptable. Screen off any heat source with mesh to prevent burns.

Enclosure (adult)

180 × 90 × 90 cm

Large-volume semi-aquatic terrarium, sturdy and perfectly lockable (a strong, active species and an accomplished escape artist).

Minimum dimensions for one adult; larger is always better. Provide a large water area allowing full swimming and bathing, along with a dry land section. The very high metabolism produces abundant liquid waste: favour a setup that is easy to clean and disinfect.

Humidity

60–80 %

A humid tropical environment; the large water area and a moisture-retaining substrate help maintain the humidity. Ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnant air and skin problems.

Substrate

Coco fibre / coco soilCypress bark (cypress mulch)Sphagnum moss for the humid areas

Choose an absorbent substrate that is easy to remove and replace given the large volume of waste. Avoid dusty or mouldy substrates (respiratory and skin risk).

UVB

Recommended

Recommended for this diurnal, basking species: a moderate UVB tube (approx. 5-7%, UVI 2-3 at the hot spot), with shaded areas available.

Water source

Always available

A large basin of clean water allowing full immersion and swimming. The animal defecates frequently in the water: change it very regularly (often daily) to prevent skin and bacterial infections.

Origin

Dipsadidae

Tropical and subtropical South America: the Amazon basin and the wetlands of the Pantanal (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Uruguay).

Feeding & health

Diet

Generalist carnivore — Fish, amphibians, rodents, chicks

Voracious appetite and fast digestion. A varied diet is ideal; do not rely on fish alone (thiaminase can cause a vitamin B1 deficiency). Watch the weight: a species prone to obesity if overfed. Feed with long tongs and caution because of the strong feeding response and the venom.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 10–35 eggs/young. Can lay very large clutches (sometimes up to ~40 eggs). Incubation of about 55-65 days at 27-29 °C. A winter cooling/rest cycle promotes breeding.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (inadequate temperature or ventilation)
Necrotising dermatitis / scale rot (blister disease) linked to soiled water or an overly humid, dirty environment
Obesity due to the voracious appetite and overfeeding
Internal parasitism, frequent in wild-caught specimens
Thermal burns from contact with unprotected heat sources

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 4 documented genes and 2 named combos for False water cobra.

Hypo / Lavender lavenderDom
Leucistic lucyRec
Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Axanthic aneryRec

Named combos — 2 documented combined morphs

GhostSnow

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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False water cobra × False water cobra

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the false water cobra.

How big does an adult False water cobra get?▾

An adult False water cobra typically measures 1.8–2.5 m (total adult length. females are markedly larger and more massive than males and can exceed 250 cm (up to ~275-300 cm exceptionally).).

What temperature and humidity does a False water cobra need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–35 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a False water cobra eat?▾

Generalist carnivore: Fish, amphibians, rodents, chicks.

Is the False water cobra a good reptile for beginners?▾

Advanced level. Often curious and calm in captivity when handled regularly, but it has a very powerful feeding response and may mistake a hand for prey. When stressed, it flattens its cervical vertebrae to mimic a cobra's hood (a defensive display). CAUTION: an opisthoglyphous species (venomous, rear fangs + Duvernoy's gland). A prolonged bite can cause swelling, pain and bruising; suitable only for an experienced keeper. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 15–20 yrs.

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