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Species profile · Pythonidae

Antaresia perthensis

Complete care sheet and morph genetics registry for the pygmy python — husbandry parameters, diet, breeding and pairing calculator.

Anthill PythonPerth Pygmy PythonPython pygméeZwergpythonRed Pygmy
Adult size
45–60 cm
Lifespan
15–25 yrs
Difficulty
Beginner +
Temperament
Docile
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Pygmy Python — origin: Endemic to the arid, rocky Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia; it frequently occupies termite mounds (termitaria) and rock crevices. All Pythonidae are listed in CITES Appendix II (Annex B within the EU): sale requires proper documentation. The species is additionally protected under Australian law, which bans the export of wildlife; specimens available outside Australia therefore come from captive-bred lineages (no legal wild collection — be wary of any dubious origin)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C
Cool side24–26 °C
Warm side29–31 °C
Basking spot32–34 °C

Establish a clear thermal gradient, with a warm basking/belly-heat zone and a distinctly cooler side. A moderate night-time drop is beneficial (do not let it fall too low for prolonged periods). Always control the heat source with a thermostat and protect the animal from any direct contact with a heating element (risk of burns).

Enclosure (adult)
60 × 45 × 40 cm

A well-ventilated glass terrarium or PVC vivarium with a secure closure (a small species, yet able to escape through the slightest opening).

A terrarium with the recommended minimum floor space suits an adult; more is always beneficial. A terrestrial/saxicolous species: prioritise floor area, but provide some climbing features (branches, stable rock stacks). Essential: at least two well-fitted hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side) and a humid hide to aid shedding.

Humidity
40–60 %

A species of arid habitats: keep a rather dry environment. Nonetheless provide a humid hide (moistened moss/sphagnum) and temporarily raise the humidity during shedding phases to prevent incomplete sheds.

Substrate
Aspen shavingsCoconut fibreDust-free soil/sand mixCypress bark

A dry, absorbent, dust-free substrate. A shallow layer allows light burrowing. Remove droppings immediately and make sure the substrate does not stay permanently damp (risk of dermatitis/scale rot).

UVB
Optional

Not essential, since this is a nocturnal species. A low UVB output (low UV index, a low-intensity tube) on a regular day/night cycle is still beneficial and is never harmful as long as shaded areas are available. Maintain a moderate photoperiod.

Water source
Always available

A bowl of clean, fresh water available at all times, large enough to let the animal soak occasionally; refresh and clean it regularly.

Origin
Pythonidae

Endemic to the arid, rocky Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia; it frequently occupies termite mounds (termitaria) and rock crevices. All Pythonidae are listed in CITES Appendix II (Annex B within the EU): sale requires proper documentation. The species is additionally protected under Australian law, which bans the export of wildlife; specimens available outside Australia therefore come from captive-bred lineages (no legal wild collection — be wary of any dubious origin).

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (rodents in captivity) — Pinky mice for juveniles, then appropriately sized (small) mice for adults. In the wild, it feeds mainly on small lizards and geckos.

Thawed prey whose diameter does not exceed the widest part of the snake. Juveniles: fed more frequently; adults: fed less often. A small species prone to obesity: do not overfeed. Some reluctant juveniles will start feeding if the prey is rubbed with the scent of a lizard/gecko ('scented' prey).

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 2–6 eggs/young. A very small clutch of eggs that are relatively large in proportion to the female's size. The female coils around her clutch and broods it. Incubation lasts several weeks at a warm temperature. A slight winter cooling (brumation) stimulates breeding. Do not breed females that are too young, too small or not sufficiently well-conditioned: the risk of egg retention (dystocia) is real in this small species.

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections (too cold or too humid an environment, poor ventilation)
  • Incomplete shedding / dysecdysis (insufficient humidity, no humid hide)
  • Obesity and regurgitation linked to overfeeding or prey that is too large
  • Mites (snake mites) and external parasites
  • Stomatitis (mouth rot) and bacterial dermatitis / scale rot on overly damp substrate
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 4 documented genes and 2 named combos for Pygmy Python.

  • Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
  • Axanthic aneryRec
  • Granite / Marble isabella (sometimes confused)Inc.d
  • Hypomelanistic ghostInc.d
Named combos — 2 documented combined morphs
SnowSunglow
04

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

🧬

Pygmy Python × Pygmy Python

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

GeneParent AParent B
Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.
05

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the pygmy python.

Why is the pygmy python called the smallest python in the world?▾
Because with an average adult total length of 45 to 60 cm, it genuinely holds that record, with only a few large specimens approaching around 70 cm. Its body is slender and lightweight, making it a very compact species to house.
Is the pygmy python suitable for a beginner?▾
Yes, its care level is rated beginner to intermediate. Non-venomous and harmless to humans, it becomes calm and docile once adult; juveniles can be nervous and nippy, but tame well with short, regular handling. It is a hardy, small species that is a pleasure to keep.
What kind of terrarium should be set up for an adult?▾
A well-ventilated glass or PVC terrarium with a floor area of at least 60 x 45 cm, with a perfectly secure closure, since this small species can escape through the slightest gap. As it is terrestrial and saxicolous, floor space should be prioritised while still offering a few climbing features and stable rock stacks.
How many hides should be provided?▾
At least two well-fitted hides are essential, one on the warm side and one on the cool side, plus a humid hide (moistened moss or sphagnum) to help with shedding. This setup mimics the termite mounds and rock crevices it occupies in the wild.
What temperatures should be maintained in its terrarium?▾
A clear thermal gradient is needed, with a belly-heat basking zone at 32-34 °C, a warm side at 29-31 °C and a cool side at 24-26 °C. A night-time drop to around 20 °C is beneficial, but it should not stay below 18 °C for long periods. The heat source must always be controlled by a thermostat, and the animal must be protected from any direct contact with a heating element.
What humidity level suits this arid-habitat species?▾
Native to the arid Pilbara region, it does well in a fairly dry environment of 40 to 60%. A humid hide should nonetheless be provided at all times, and humidity should be temporarily raised during shedding phases to prevent incomplete sheds.
What does the pygmy python eat in captivity?▾
It is a carnivore fed pinky mice as juveniles, then appropriately sized small mice as adults; in the wild, it mainly hunts small lizards and geckos. Thawed prey should be no wider than the snake's widest point, offered every 5 to 7 days for juveniles and every 10 to 14 days for adults.
What should be done if a juvenile refuses to eat?▾
Some reluctant juveniles start feeding better when the prey is rubbed with the scent of a lizard or gecko, so-called "scented" prey that mimics their natural diet. Care should also be taken not to overfeed this small species, which is prone to obesity and regurgitation if prey is too large.
Is UVB necessary?▾
No, UVB is not essential since the species is nocturnal to crepuscular. Low-level lighting (UVI 1-2, a low-intensity T5 tube) on a regular day/night cycle remains beneficial and is never harmful as long as shaded areas are available, with a photoperiod of around 10 to 12 hours.
How does the pygmy python reproduce?▾
It is oviparous and lays a very small clutch of 2 to 6 eggs, relatively large in relation to the female's size, which she coils around and broods. Incubation lasts about 50 to 60 days at 30-31 °C, and a slight winter cooling stimulates breeding. A female that is too young, too small or not in sufficient body condition should never be bred: the risk of egg retention (dystocia) is real in this small species.
What is its life expectancy?▾
The pygmy python lives 15 to 25 years in captivity with good care, and individuals living past 20 years are commonly reported. It is therefore a commitment of several years to anticipate.
What health issues should be watched for?▾
The most common are respiratory infections (conditions that are too cold, too humid or poorly ventilated), incomplete sheds from insufficient humidity, obesity and regurgitation linked to overfeeding, mites, as well as stomatitis and bacterial dermatitis (scale rot) on substrate that is too damp.

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