Naja kaouthia

Fully enclosed terrestrial terrarium, lockable and escape-proof (padlock mandatory)

Minimum dimensions for an adult; favor a length at least equal to 2/3 of the snake. A safety airlock is recommended, with locked openings and 'venomous animal' signage. Numerous sturdy hides on each side of the thermal gradient to limit stress and escape attempts. Top opening should be avoided in favor of controlled front access.

Moderate tropical humidity of 50-70%. Increase occasionally during sheds. Ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory infections and scale rot.

Paper or paper towel is often preferred to spot the animal immediately and to make cleaning easier and risk-free. Particulate substrates retain humidity better but make locating the snake harder. Avoid any constantly waterlogged substrate (risk of scale rot).

Not strictly necessary for this crepuscular/nocturnal species. Low UVB (UV index ~1-2, around 5-6% type) remains beneficial for metabolism and behavior; in that case provide a fully shaded area. Photoperiod of about 12 hours.

A large container of clean water, stable and weighted, allowing the snake to drink and immerse partially. Renew frequently; the species is associated with humid environments and appreciates water. Any intervention in the enclosure must be done with the animal secured.

Southeast Asia: eastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China and the northern Malay Peninsula. Occupies rice paddies, forest edges, grasslands, wetlands and the surroundings of dwellings.

Carnivore — Rodents (mice and rats of appropriate size) as the staple in captivity

A voracious feeder and generally undemanding in captivity. In the wild it also eats frogs, toads and other snakes. Feed with thawed prey of appropriate size (roughly the diameter of the widest part of the body) every 7-14 days depending on age; do not overfeed (risk of obesity). Feed with long tongs, at a safe distance.

Clutch 10–30 eggs/young. Clutch usually of 10 to 30 eggs (sometimes more). The female often guards her clutch. Incubation at around 27-30 °C for about 55-75 days. Breeding a venomous elapid greatly increases the risks (numerous venomous neonates from hatching) and should be undertaken only by professionals.

• Respiratory infections (promoted by an environment that is too cold, humid or poorly ventilated)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot)
• Scale rot / dermatitis on a waterlogged substrate
• Mites (Ophionyssus) and internal parasites, common in wild-caught specimens
• Incomplete sheds (dysecdysis) and obesity from overfeeding