Fun Arabian Cobra Facts For Kids

Iram Ashfaq
Mar 06, 2023 By Iram Ashfaq
Originally Published on Aug 06, 2021
Edited by Katherine Cook
A few Arabian cobra facts that will cheer you up.
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 6.1 Min

There are many different types of cobras in the world, but none is more iconic than the Arabian naja cobra.

The Arabian cobra (Naja arabica) is an animal that can be found in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as throughout some parts of Asia. The Arabian cobra (Naja arabica) snake's color variations include black with yellow stripes or a combination of gray to white spots on their body.

One thing you may not know about this species is that they are able to use venom from glands attached near its fangs when it bites prey!

Although no deaths have been reported due to this snake's bites, anyone bitten by one should seek medical attention immediately for antivenom treatment if needed.

This venomous species is not only known for its deadly venom, but also for its beautifully patterned skin. The cobra naja haje has scales that are a deep green color with black and brown highlights on their backs.

The bellies of this Arabica naja species often have white or yellowish spots that run in lines down them as well.

What's even more fascinating about these animals is how clever they can be when it comes to hunting their prey. They will use all of those colors to camouflage themselves into different backgrounds so they're harder to spot by other predators looking around the forest floor at night time.

They can blend into their environments which look like this during cooler seasons.

The Arabian cobra (Naja arabica) is one of the most feared snakes in existence, and it's not hard to see why.

One interesting fact about this snake is that it is a big eater. These Arabian snakes often eat other snakes, rodents, birds' eggs, and anything else they come across.

The size of their appetite, not to mention their venomous bite, makes them one fearsome creature you don't want to run into in nature. Their coloration varies with different habitats from light tan near sandy areas to reds and blacks closer to water sources.

One thing you should know before coming into close contact with an Arabian naja snake is that this snake doesn't mess around so make sure not to touch it at any time unless absolutely necessary!

For more relatable content, check out these copperhead snake facts and cottonmouth snake facts for kids.

Arabian Cobra Interesting Facts

What type of animal is an Arabian cobra?

The Arabian naja cobra is a venomous snake native to the Arabian peninsula. It is a sub-species of the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje).

What class of animal does an Arabian cobra belong to?

The Arabica naja belongs to the class Reptilia and genus Naja.

How many Arabian cobras are there in the world?

There are more than 100 different species of cobra, but there is no specific number or estimate for the Arabica naja species as of now.

Where does an Arabian cobra live?

This species of snakes live throughout various deserts around the world with a few exceptions such as North America.

What is an Arabian cobra's habitat?

The Arabian naja species is a snake that lives in the Middle East and Oman. They are most commonly found near coasts and also inhabit dry, rocky areas with scrub vegetation.

Who do Arabian cobras live with?

Most Arabian snakes live alone, but they do have a social life. This species is often seen near small streams or ponds with other snakes

How long does an Arabian cobra live?

Arabian snakes can live up to 25 years in captivity.

How do they reproduce?

A Naja cobra’s reproductive cycle starts with a female laying about 50-60 eggs. After mating, the male species will slither away and find another mate to fertilize more of her eggs.

What is their conservation status?

The IUCN conservation status for this snakes species is Least Concern for now.

Arabian Cobra Fun Facts

What do Arabian cobras look like?

This snake is often a desert-dweller as it can be found in warm climates and dry settings near water sources. Generally, they are brown or gray with black rings all the way around their body.

The tip of its tail may also have some white coloring on them too.

They often have beautiful metallic scales which reflect light with incredible brilliance as you walk past them on hot afternoons. They have black scales with white spots on them that are always the same shape, except for their head which may be square or diamond-shaped depending on the region.

The Arabian cobra has beautiful colors which helps it to camouflage smoothly into its surroundings.

*Please note that this is an image of an Egyptian cobra, a sub-species of the Arabian cobra. If you have an image of an Arabian naja cobra snake please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.

How cute are they?

These cobras are beautiful creatures with many colors. It is always important not to get too close as they are venomous.

How do they communicate?

It has been found by scientists in recent years that this reptile is capable of producing multiple types of noises that can be interpreted as intentional communication between snakes.

How big is an Arabian cobra?

This snake can grow up to 40- 60 in (1-1.5m) in length. It's often known for its quick temperament, and it uses this trait to protect itself from predators like jackals.

How fast can an Arabian cobra move?

This snake is the most dangerous of all cobras and can be found in desert regions, as well as mountainous areas. It has a quick strike with its fangs at speeds up to 12 mph (20 kph).

How much does an Arabian cobra weigh?

This snake belonging to the genus Naja is one of the world's smallest and most venomous snake species. Found in dry, desert climates like Saudi Arabia or Oman, these tiny snakes weigh between 0.8-2.2 lb (400-1000 g) on average. These reptiles are 200 times smaller than a green anaconda.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Despite the fact that they are not given a gender-specific name, these cobras still have interesting a dual sexuality.

What would you call a baby Arabian cobra?

This cobra has a baby called a hatchling. These babies are usually born in late spring or early summer.

What do they eat?

The Arabian cobra diet has been known to include small birds, frogs, eggs, lizards, and even some amphibians found in its region.

Are they poisonous?

These naja cobras are one of the most dangerous animals in the world with their lethal venom. They have a neurotoxic venom that can kill an entire family if they don't receive medical treatment quickly enough. The timber rattlesnake is the most poisonous reptile in the world!

Would they make a good pet?

This cobra is one of the most venomous snakes of the genus Naja. It is not a good pet and should be avoided at all costs.

Did you know...

Where do cobras sleep? Well, it just so happens that they like to slither up high on trees and sun themselves there. They often will also take naps in the shade of a bush while waiting for their prey.

How are Arabian cobras different from other cobras?

This Naja cobra species of the Middle East region are different from other cobras like the Indian cobra in that they have wider heads and shorter fangs. Their heads seem to be more round than those of the average snake, while their teeth may not reach as far down into your skin.

What is the biggest cobra?

The largest of all cobras is a king cobra as it can grow to 224 in (5.71 m) in length!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our Burmese python facts and carpet python facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable arabian cobra coloring pages.

*Please note that the main image is of a king cobra. If you have an image of an Arabian Naja Cobra please let us know at hello@kidadl.com

Arabian Cobra Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Small birds, frogs, eggs, lizards, and toads

What Type of Animal were they?

Carnivore

Average Litter Size?

40-50

How Much Did They Weigh?

0.8-2.2 lb (400-1000 g)

What habitat Do they Live In?

deserts, plain lands, and near hills

Where Do They Live?

east arabian peninsula and region, and east oman

How Long Were They?

40- 60 in (1-1.5m)

How Tall Were They?

N/A

Class

Reptilia

Genus

Naja

Family

Elapidae

Scientific Name

Naja arabica

What Do They Look Like?

Brown, golden, copper, black, green, yellow, and orange

Skin Type

Scaly

What Are Their Main Threats?

arabian wolves, arabian hyenas, and jackals

What is their Conservation Status?

Least Concern

east arabian peninsula and region and east oman

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Written by Iram Ashfaq

Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

Iram Ashfaq picture

Iram AshfaqBachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

With a Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery from Shaney Institute of Health Sciences and a Master's degree in Public Health from Imperial College London, Iram is a highly qualified and accomplished writer from Srinagar, India. Over the course of a year, she has acquired multiple writing certifications, focusing on health sciences and research studies. Prior to joining Kidadl, Iram gained valuable experience working as a content writer for Indian firms and interning at a New York-based company. Her expertise and passion for writing shine through in her ability to create compelling content across a variety of topics.

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