All comparisons

Black Mamba vs King Cobra

How does the Black Mamba compare to the King Cobra? They are both members of the Elapidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Black Mamba
King Cobra

Side-by-side comparison

Black Mamba
King Cobra
Scientific name
Dendroaspis polylepis
Ophiophagus hannah
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Elapidae
Elapidae
Habitat
Savanna and woodland
Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Lifespan
11-20 years
15-20 years
Weight
1.6-2.5 kg
6-9 kg

Black Mamba vs King Cobra: who would win?

Black Mamba

Black Mamba

1.6-2.5 kg

VS
King Cobra

King Cobra

6-9 kg

King Cobra wins high confidence

King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 1.6-2.5 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are reptiles.
  • Both belong to the Elapidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.

Differences

  • Habitat: Savanna and woodland vs Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps.
  • Conservation: Least Concern vs Vulnerable.
  • Weight: 1.6-2.5 kg vs 6-9 kg.

Black Mamba vs King Cobra: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Black Mamba or a King Cobra?

King Cobra wins. King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 1.6-2.5 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Black Mamba and a King Cobra?

Black Mamba and King Cobra differ in several ways — habitat: savanna and woodland vs dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps. conservation: least concern vs vulnerable. weight: 1.6-2.5 kg vs 6-9 kg.

Do Black Mamba and King Cobra live in the same habitat?

No — Black Mamba lives in savanna and woodland, while King Cobra is found in dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps.

What do Black Mamba and King Cobra eat?

Both Black Mamba and King Cobra have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Black Mamba or the King Cobra?

Black Mamba is listed as Least Concern, while King Cobra is listed as Vulnerable.

How big are Black Mamba and King Cobra?

Black Mamba weighs around 1.6-2.5 kg, while King Cobra weighs around 6-9 kg.

Black Mamba

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Black Mamba

King Cobra

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King Cobra