King cobra vs saw scaled viper: Discover their major differences and who will win in a fight?

King cobra and saw scaled viper are two of the most dangerous snakes in the world. Known for their venom and hunting abilities, these snakes have their own share of differences despite the fact that they both are extremely dangerous. The king cobra is the longest venomous snake, while on the other hand the saw scaled viper is smaller and also the one that is quicker to attack. Both snakes possess potent venom, but hunt differently. In a possible fight, each would rely on its own capabilities to survive. Learn about the differences between the two reptiles and along with that will see who has higher chances of winning in a possible battle.


The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, measuring as long as 18 feet. The saw scaled viper is much smaller, typically 12 to 35 inches long. This difference in size helps the king cobra pose greater strength and reach advantage, while the saw scaled viper makes the use of small size to hasten its speed.

King cobras can weigh as much as 20 pounds, which is relatively heavy for a snake. They utilize the weight to weaken their victims. Saw scaled vipers, however, are significantly lighter and weigh only around 100 grams. Though they are small, their aggressive and fast movements make them equally deadly as bigger snakes.

The King cobra's body is a shiny, olive-green or brown color with yellow and black bands. This makes it blend well with its surroundings. The saw scaled viper is usually pale brown or gray with darker spots, which make it more difficult to find in the wild. Both snakes utilize their colors to camouflage and defend themselves.

The king cobra has a triangular, elongated head and is able to spread its neck into a hood when threatened. This hood makes it appear larger and more threatening. The saw scaled viper has a round, diminutive head, and there is a distinct disparity in the head and body of the viper. Its rounded shape enables it to camouflage and strike swiftly when necessary.

The king cobra's large, facing-forward eyes provide it with great eyesight, which enables it to see prey from far away. This positioning is perfect for ambushing other animals, particularly snakes. The saw scaled viper, on the other hand, has smaller eyes at the sides of its head. This eye positioning provides it with a wider range of view, enabling it to sense close danger.

King cobras are generally found in forests, grasslands, and swamps in Southeast Asia. They like territories with an abundance of trees and water. Saw scaled vipers, on the other hand, occur in arid, hot places such as deserts and grasslands, mainly in certain areas of the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Both species have adapted to their respective habitats.

In a fight between the king cobra and the saw scaled viper, the king cobra has high chances of winning because of its size, strength, and deadly venom. The king cobra is the longest venomous snake, reaching up to 18 feet, and can easily overpower its enemies because of its advantageous trait . Its venom is highly lethal and is capable of killing large animals like other snakes. While the saw scaled viper is smaller, it is renowned for its speed and aggressive nature, and the ability to inject poison with a quick strike. However, its smaller size and slower strike compared to the king cobra’s reach and strength make it less likely to defeat the larger snake. In most cases, the king cobra’s size and venom would secure its victory.
In conclusion, while both the king cobra and the saw scaled viper are among the deadliest snakes in the world, the king cobra’s sheer size, strength, and venom give it a clear edge in a one-on-one battle. The saw scaled viper may be quicker and more aggressive, but the king cobra’s powerful bite and ability to overpower even large prey would likely make it the winner in a fight.