Found across Central Africa, particularly near rivers, lakes, and swamps, this species is a strong swimmer and spends much of its time hunting in aquatic habitats. Its name comes from its bold ringed pattern of black and pale yellow or cream bands running across its entire body, making it look like it’s wearing striped armor. With a long, sleek body and the trademark cobra hood, it’s both beautiful and intimidating.

While many cobras prefer dry savannas, forests, or grasslands, this species thrives in watery habitats. It hunts primarily in water, preying on fish, amphibians, and occasionally other aquatic animals. Its strong swimming ability allows it to glide effortlessly beneath the surface, making it a highly effective predator. Unlike some snakes that merely tolerate water, the Ringed water cobra is truly semi-aquatic, and rivers and wetlands shape its entire lifestyle.

Like other cobras, it is highly venomous, but it is considered shy and less aggressive compared to some of its relatives. It will raise its hood and display the classic cobra threat posture if cornered, but it usually prefers to escape into the water where it feels most at home. For local communities living near rivers and lakes, this snake is well known but rarely causes conflict since it avoids people when possible. Its bold banding also acts as a warning signal to predators: this is not a snake to mess with.

It is sometimes called the banded water cobra because of its distinctive rings, and in the water, its stripes make it resemble a moving ribbon. It can stay submerged for long periods, hunting with precision in an environment where most snakes would struggle. Despite its dangerous venom, it is often described as a calm and secretive species, more interested in slipping away into the water than standing its ground

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2019

Burundi

2019

Cameroon

2019

Central Af. Rep.

2019

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2019

Gabon

2019

Tanzania

2019

Zambia

2019