All comparisons

King Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake

How does the King Cobra compare to the Red-bellied Black Snake? 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.

King Cobra
Red-bellied Black Snake

Side-by-side comparison

King Cobra
Red-bellied Black Snake
Scientific name
Ophiophagus hannah
Pseudechis porphyriacus
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Elapidae
Elapidae
Habitat
Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps
Freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Lifespan
15-20 years
6-10 years
Weight
6-9 kg
500-1,000 grams

King Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake: who would win?

King Cobra

King Cobra

6-9 kg

VS
Red-bellied Black Snake

Red-bellied Black Snake

500-1,000 grams

King Cobra wins high confidence

King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 500-1,000 grams). 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: Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps vs Freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water.
  • Conservation: Vulnerable vs Least Concern.
  • Weight: 6-9 kg vs 500-1,000 grams.

King Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a King Cobra or a Red-bellied Black Snake?

King Cobra wins. King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 500-1,000 grams). 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 King Cobra and a Red-bellied Black Snake?

King Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake differ in several ways — habitat: dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps vs freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water. conservation: vulnerable vs least concern. weight: 6-9 kg vs 500-1,000 grams.

Do King Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake live in the same habitat?

No — King Cobra lives in dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps, while Red-bellied Black Snake is found in freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water.

What do King Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake eat?

Both King Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the King Cobra or the Red-bellied Black Snake?

King Cobra is listed as Vulnerable, while Red-bellied Black Snake is listed as Least Concern.

How big are King Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake?

King Cobra weighs around 6-9 kg, while Red-bellied Black Snake weighs around 500-1,000 grams.

King Cobra

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King Cobra

Red-bellied Black Snake

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Red-bellied Black Snake