False Water Cobra | Hydrodynastes gigas
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
South America; wetlands and vegetation near water. |
| Adult size |
Around 180–250 cm, with females often larger. |
| Lifespan |
Around 15–20 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Often day-active. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
Purpose-built adult enclosure at least as long as the snake; plan around 240 × 90 × 90 cm with a substantial bathing basin. |
| Enclosure type |
Strong, secure terrestrial enclosure with a substantial water area. |
| Temperature |
Warm area around 29–31°C; cool end around 24–26°C. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 60–80%, with ventilation and dry resting surfaces. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Secure hides and furnishings; drinking water must remain accessible. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
House individually. A fast, powerful rear-fanged venomous snake: do not treat it like a harmless pet snake. Maintenance and handling require suitable tools and experience.
Feeding & Nutrition
A varied appropriately sized whole-prey diet established with our reptile team; suitable rodents and other accepted whole prey may be used. Confirm the individual’s food and schedule. Avoid feeder fish of unknown health, plain meat as a staple and overfeeding. Clean the large bathing basin whenever soiled.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
For experienced keepers with a secure adult setup and a safe maintenance plan. Confirm the feeding history and discuss bite risk with our reptile team before purchase.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
