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Species profile · Pythonidae

Carpet Python

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

morelia spilotapython tapiscarpetcoastal carpet pythonjungle carpet python
Adult size
1.8–3 m
Lifespan
20–30 yrs
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Nocturnal
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Carpet python — origin: Australia and New Guinea (depending on subspecies).

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C
Cool side24–26 °C
Warm side29–31 °C
Basking spot32–34 °C
Enclosure (adult)
180 × 60 × 120 cm

Tall, arboreal terrarium

Sturdy branches at different heights

Humidity
50–60 %

Raise to ~70 % during shedding

Substrate
CypressCoco fiberAspen
UVB
Optional

Optional; low UVB beneficial

Water source
Always available

Water bowl available at all times

Origin
Pythonidae

Australia and New Guinea (depending on subspecies)

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — rodents — Appropriately sized rats

Strong feeding response — feed with caution (hook)

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 10–25 eggs/young. Maternal incubation

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections
  • Incomplete shedding
  • Obesity
  • Mites
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 9 documented genes and 22 named combos for Carpet python.

  • Jaguar jagInc.d
  • Zebra jungle zebraInc.d
  • Tiger coastal tigerInc.d
  • Granite (IJ) ij graniteRec
  • Albino (Darwin Line) darwin albinoRec
  • Axanthic (MJ/VPI Line) axanthicRec
  • Caramel caramel hypoInc.d
  • Hypomelanistic (Coastal) hypoInc.d
  • Red (Polygenic/Line) redInc.d
Named combos — 22 documented combined morphs
SunglowSunglow JaguarSnowSnow JaguarSnow ZebraGhostGhost JaguarMoonglowZebra JagTiger JagCaramel JagGranite JaguarGranite ZebraAlbino GraniteAxanthic Granite (Urban Camo approx.)Albino TigerAxanthic TigerRed Albino (Fire)Red JaguarCaramel ZebraCaramel AlbinoHypo Zebra
04

Pairing calculator

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

🧬

Carpet python × Carpet 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 carpet python.

Where does the carpet python come from?▾
The carpet python is native to Australia and New Guinea, and both its size and appearance vary considerably depending on the subspecies.
How big does it get as an adult?▾
Adults most often measure between 180 and 300 cm, depending on the subspecies: jubatus stays the smallest, while cheynei and mcdowelli are among the largest.
What kind of enclosure does it need?▾
Being semi-arboreal, it needs a tall enclosure of at least 180 x 60 x 120 cm, fitted with sturdy branches placed at different heights for climbing.
What temperatures and humidity should be maintained?▾
Provide a basking spot of 32 to 34 °C, a warm zone of 29 to 31 °C and a cool side of 24 to 26 °C, never letting it drop below 22 °C at night. Humidity should sit between 50 and 60%, raised toward 70% during shedding periods.
What does it eat and how often?▾
As a carnivore, it feeds on appropriately sized rats. Juveniles eat roughly every 7 days, adults every 10 to 14 days. Because its feeding response is strong, it's best fed carefully, using feeding tongs.
Is the carpet python aggressive?▾
Its temperament is variable: juveniles can sometimes be nippy, but adults are generally calm. Its sharp feeding response remains the main thing to watch out for.
Is it suitable for a beginner?▾
It's considered an intermediate-level species. Its sizeable adult length, its need for a tall enclosure, and its strong feeding response make it better suited to a keeper who already has some experience with snakes.
Does it need UVB?▾
UVB is optional for this species, though low-level UVB lighting is still beneficial.
Does it need a water dish?▾
Yes, a water bowl should be available at all times, useful both for drinking and for supporting humidity and shedding.
How long does it live?▾
Its lifespan ranges from 20 to 30 years, making it a long-term commitment.
What health issues should be monitored?▾
The main ones are respiratory infections, incomplete sheds, obesity and mites. Proper humidity and a measured feeding schedule help prevent them.

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