King Cobra vs Red-headed Krait
How does the King Cobra compare to the Red-headed Krait? 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.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Ophiophagus hannah
- Bungarus flaviceps
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Elapidae
- Elapidae
- Habitat
- Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps
- Tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- 10-15 years
- Weight
- 6-9 kg
- 0.3-1.2 kg
King Cobra vs Red-headed Krait: who would win?

King Cobra
6-9 kg

Red-headed Krait
0.3-1.2 kg
King Cobra wins high confidence
King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 0.3-1.2 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: Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps vs Tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources.
- Conservation: Vulnerable vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 6-9 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg.
King Cobra vs Red-headed Krait: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a King Cobra or a Red-headed Krait?
King Cobra wins. King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 0.3-1.2 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 King Cobra and a Red-headed Krait?
King Cobra and Red-headed Krait differ in several ways — habitat: dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps vs tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources. conservation: vulnerable vs least concern. weight: 6-9 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg.
Do King Cobra and Red-headed Krait live in the same habitat?
No — King Cobra lives in dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps, while Red-headed Krait is found in tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources.
What do King Cobra and Red-headed Krait eat?
Both King Cobra and Red-headed Krait have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the King Cobra or the Red-headed Krait?
King Cobra is listed as Vulnerable, while Red-headed Krait is listed as Least Concern.
How big are King Cobra and Red-headed Krait?
King Cobra weighs around 6-9 kg, while Red-headed Krait weighs around 0.3-1.2 kg.

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King Cobra

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Red-headed Krait







