Black-headed Python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Black-headed Python get?

An adult Black-headed Python typically measures 1.5–3 m.

Husbandry requirements

Black-headed Python — origin: Northern Australia (Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia) — arid to tropical savannas, rocky and scrubby areas..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–28 °C

Warm side31–34 °C

Basking spot35–40 °C

A thermophilic species from hot regions: provide a genuine hot spot (35-40 °C, measured at the surface) and a clear gradient towards a cool side. IMPORTANT: this python lacks labial heat-sensing pits — it detects localised heat sources less well, so any lamp/ceramic emitter MUST be guarded with a mesh, and gentle belly heat (thermostat-controlled heat mat) should also be favoured to prevent burns. A night-time drop to around 22-24 °C is tolerated.

Enclosure (adult)

150 × 60 × 60 cm

A robust, secure and well-ventilated terrestrial terrarium / vivarium.

A terrestrial, burrowing species: prioritise floor space over height. A minimum of ~150 x 60 cm for an adult, more for a large female. Provide at least two snug hides (a warm side and a cool side), a layer of substrate deep enough to burrow into, and lockable closures (a strong, inquisitive species).

Humidity

40–60 %

A rather dry to moderate environment. Maintain 40-60%; raise it temporarily (humid hide) during shedding. Stagnant humidity and a dirty substrate encourage scale rot.

Substrate

Aspen shavingsCypress mulchCoconut fibre / coco chipsPaper / paper towel (quarantine)

Choose a dry substrate that allows burrowing. Avoid pure fine sands and dusty substrates (risk of ingestion/impaction and respiratory irritation). Remove droppings promptly.

UVB

Optional

Not essential for good health if calcium and whole prey are adequate, but low-level UVB (Ferguson zone 1-2) is beneficial. Ensure a regular day/night cycle (12 h).

Water source

Always available

A large bowl of clean water available at all times; the animal may bathe in it. Change the water regularly and clean the container to limit infections.

Origin

Pythonidae

Northern Australia (Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia) — arid to tropical savannas, rocky and scrubby areas.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (constrictor) — In captivity: appropriately sized rodents (mice, rats), thawed. In the wild: ophiophagous — it eats other reptiles, notably lizards and snakes, including venomous species.

A species endemic to Australia, protected under Australian law (export of native wildlife is prohibited); specimens in the trade outside Australia are captive-bred. Not listed on CITES. Feed prey close in width to the thickest part of the body, with adults spaced out (every 10-21 days): the species is prone to obesity from overfeeding.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 5–18 eggs/young. Large eggs are laid after a winter cooling period and spring mating. The female coils around the clutch to brood it. Artificial incubation typically takes ~55-70 days at around 31 °C. Breeding is best left to experienced keepers.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (inadequate temperature/ventilation)
Scale rot linked to a damp/dirty substrate
Mites (Ophionyssus)
Obesity from overfeeding
Thermal burns (lack of heat-sensing pits — unguarded heat sources)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes and 2 named combos for Black-headed Python.

Axanthic (Recessive) aneryRec
Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Hypo (Mendelian) hypomelanisticDom

Named combos — 2 documented combined morphs

SnowGhost

Pairing calculator

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

🧬

Black-headed Python × Black-headed Python

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the black-headed python.

How big does an adult Black-headed Python get?▾

An adult Black-headed Python typically measures 1.5–3 m (adult total length typically 1.5-2 m; large females can exceed 2.5 m and reach ~3 m. a robust, muscular snake of medium to large size.).

What temperature and humidity does a Black-headed Python need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–28 °C on the cool side to 31–34 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 35–40 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.

What does a Black-headed Python eat?▾

Carnivore (constrictor): In captivity: appropriately sized rodents (mice, rats), thawed. In the wild: ophiophagous — it eats other reptiles, notably lizards and snakes, including venomous species..

Is the Black-headed Python a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Generally docile and calm once acclimatised; NON-venomous (constrictor). Strong feeding response and highly food-motivated: handle away from feeding times and avoid startling it. May hiss/strike defensively but rarely bites once accustomed. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–30 yrs.

Track your black-headed python on ReptiNode

Create a free tracking log: weight, meals, sheds, health record, QR codes and breeding projects — with the built-in genetics calculator for over 200 species.

Create a free account