Pacific ground boa — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Pacific ground boa get?

An adult Pacific ground boa typically measures 0.4–1.2 m.

Husbandry requirements

Pacific ground boa — origin: New Guinea, Indonesia (Moluccas, Papua), the Solomon archipelago and other Melanesian islands (western Pacific)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

A low-altitude nocturnal species: NO intense hot spot (basking) needed or desirable. Create a gentle thermal gradient with a heat cable or mat regulated by a thermostat; avoid overheating. Natural night-time drop tolerated (do not go below ~22 °C).

Enclosure (adult)

90 × 45 × 45 cm

Closed tropical terrarium, well ventilated and very secure, with low, sturdy branches for climbing (especially for juveniles, which are more arboreal).

The minimum dimensions given are for an adult female; a male is content with a smaller volume. Provide several hides (including a humid zone), branches and a loose substrate allowing burrowing. Lid and openings perfectly secured: a good escape artist.

Humidity

60–80 %

A humid, stable ambience; increase temporarily (up to ~80-90%) during sheds. Ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnant air and mould.

Substrate

Coco fibreFertiliser-free potting soil/peatSphagnum mossDead leaf litterCypress bark

Use a loose substrate thick enough to allow burrowing, a natural behaviour favoured by the angular 'shark-shaped' snout. Keep slightly damp without waterlogging; avoid any water-saturated substrate (risk of dermatitis and respiratory infection).

UVB

Optional

Not essential, as it is a nocturnal species. Low UVB (Ferguson zone 1, low-intensity T5 tube 2-5%) is beneficial but optional; always provide shaded hides that allow the animal to avoid exposure.

Water source

Always available

A large container of clean water available at all times, wide enough to allow the snake to immerse itself; renew regularly and clean it to avoid infections.

Origin

Boidae

New Guinea, Indonesia (Moluccas, Papua), the Solomon archipelago and other Melanesian islands (western Pacific).

Feeding & health

Diet

Strict carnivore (whole prey) — Adults: appropriately sized rodents (mice, sometimes young rats). Juveniles: often prefer lizards or amphibians and may refuse rodents.

Weaning juveniles onto rodents is a known challenge: resorting to 'scenting' (rubbing the prey with a lizard/gecko) is sometimes necessary. Feed every 7-14 days depending on age; avoid excess weight. Imported wild specimens are frequently anorexic at first — quarantine and veterinary monitoring recommended.

Breeding

Viviparous

Highly variable litters; often 5-15 neonates in captivity, exceptionally up to ~30. Long gestation; breeding females require good body condition and a slight seasonal cooling.

Health watch points

Internal parasites (nematodes, protozoa) — very common in wild-caught specimens; faecal examination and deworming advised
Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature or humidity, stagnant air)
Stomatitis / 'mouth rot'
Anorexia and dehydration linked to import stress (wild specimens)
Difficult shedding (dysecdysis) from lack of humidity

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Pacific ground boa.

Axanthic (Isabel Trait?) aneryDom
HypomelanisticDom

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the pacific ground boa.

How big does an adult Pacific ground boa get?▾

An adult Pacific ground boa typically measures 0.4–1.2 m (strong sexual dimorphism: males distinctly smaller and slimmer (~40-60 cm), females larger and more massive (~80-120 cm). the length given is the adult total length.).

What temperature and humidity does a Pacific ground boa need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Pacific ground boa eat?▾

Strict carnivore (whole prey): Adults: appropriately sized rodents (mice, sometimes young rats). Juveniles: often prefer lizards or amphibians and may refuse rodents..

Is the Pacific ground boa a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. A generally calm, slow and non-aggressive snake; a NON-venomous constrictor. Juveniles, and especially wild-caught specimens, may be nervous, ball up or bite defensively. Tames well over time with gentle, regular handling. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 15–20 yrs.

Track your pacific ground boa 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