Head to head
Black Mamba vs King Cobra
These are two of the most famous venomous snakes on Earth — one from Africa, one from Asia — and they are often set against each other. They hunt differently, defend themselves differently, and carry very different venoms.
| Black Mamba | King Cobra | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | Sub-Saharan Africa — savanna and scrub | South and Southeast Asia — forest |
| Length | 2–3 m (to 4.5 m) | 3–4 m (to 5.85 m — the longest venomous snake) |
| Venom type | Neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, fast-acting | Neurotoxic, delivered in huge volume |
| Speed | 12–19 km/h — one of the fastest snakes | Not built for speed |
| Diet | Rodents, birds, small mammals | Almost entirely other snakes |
| Defensive display | Narrow hood, gaping black mouth | Tall hood, rears up a third of its body, growls |
| Parental care | None — abandons the eggs | Builds a nest and guards the eggs |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Black Mamba vs King Cobra: common questions
Which is more venomous, a black mamba or a king cobra?
Drop for drop the black mamba’s venom is generally rated more toxic and it acts faster, but the king cobra injects a much larger dose per bite. Both are capable of killing a human without prompt antivenom.
Which snake is faster?
The black mamba, easily. It can move at 12–19 km/h in short bursts with its head raised — fast enough to alarm people, though not fast enough to outrun one. The king cobra relies on size and its threat display, not speed.
Who would win, a black mamba or a king cobra?
Most experts give it to the king cobra. It is longer and heavier, it specialises in eating other snakes and has some resistance to their venom, and its size lets it control an encounter. The mamba’s speed and faster venom keep it competitive, but it would be the underdog.