Banded Water Cobra

The banded water cobra is a large, semi-aquatic elapid inhabiting rivers, lakes, and swamps of the Congo Basin in central Africa. Unlike most cobras, it is closely tied to water and is an accomplished swimmer, feeding primarily on fish.

It is a venomous elapid, and while bites are relatively uncommon due to its aquatic habits and the sparser human population in much of its range, it is considered medically significant given its large size and potent venom.

• Adults can reach 1.5-2.7 m, among the larger African cobras.
• Body typically shows bold dark and pale crossbands along its length, giving rise to its common name.
• Smooth scales, round pupils, and a somewhat laterally compressed tail adapted for swimming.
• Distinguished from terrestrial African cobras by its banded pattern, aquatic habits, and paddle-like tail.

Strongly associated with rivers, lakes, and swamp forest within the Congo Basin, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zambia, rarely straying far from water.

Active by day and night, foraging both in water and along banks. It is primarily piscivorous, feeding heavily on fish, and is an agile swimmer. It can rear and spread a hood in defense when threatened. It is oviparous, laying clutches of eggs, sometimes in sites near water.