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Species profile · Pythonidae

Blood Python

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

python brongersmaired blood pythonbrongersmai
Adult size
1.2–1.8 m
Lifespan
20–25 yrs
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Nocturnal
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Blood Python — origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Sumatra) — wetlands.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min24 °C
Cool side25–27 °C
Warm side29–31 °C
Basking spot30–32 °C

Prefers slightly cooler and more humid temperatures than other pythons

Enclosure (adult)
120 × 60 × 45 cm

Robust, humid terrarium

Good ventilation despite the high humidity

Humidity
60–70 %

Up to 80%; avoid soggy substrate (scale rot)

Substrate
Cypress (humidity retention)Coconut fibre
UVB
Optional

Optional

Water source
Always available

Large water container

Origin
Pythonidae

Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Sumatra) — wetlands

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — rodents — Rats of appropriate size

Slow metabolism — space out feedings for adults to avoid obesity

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 12–30 eggs/young. Maternal incubation

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections
  • Scale rot (too humid)
  • Obesity
  • Incomplete shed
  • Mites
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 7 documented genes for Blood Python.

  • Albino (T+) t+ albinoRec
  • Albino (T−) t- albinoRec
  • MatrixInc.d
  • Goldeneye geInc.d
  • BatikInc.d
  • Genetic Stripe vpi gsInc.d
  • Piebald piedRec
04

Pairing calculator

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

🧬

Blood Python × Blood 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 blood python.

What is the size and build of an adult blood python?▾
The blood python stays relatively short, between 1.20 m and 1.80 m, but it is extremely massive: an adult can approach 9 kg. It is this stocky build, more than the length, that defines the species and the weight you will have to support when handling it.
What terrarium dimensions should be provided?▾
A terrarium at least 120 cm long by 60 cm wide and 45 cm high suits an adult. Opt for a sturdy, humid model, while maintaining good ventilation despite the high humidity level.
What temperatures suit the blood python?▾
This species prefers slightly cooler and more humid values than other pythons: a hot spot of 30 to 32°C, a warm side of 29 to 31°C and a cool side of 25 to 27°C, with a nighttime minimum of 24°C. Well-regulated heating avoids the excesses that stress it.
What humidity level should be maintained?▾
Aim for 60 to 70% humidity, with possible peaks up to 80%. Be careful, however, never to leave the substrate waterlogged, as stagnant moisture causes scale rot.
What does a blood python eat and how often?▾
It is a carnivore fed on rats of suitable size. Juveniles eat about once a week, while adults space their meals 14 to 21 days apart. Its slow metabolism means adult meals should not be spaced too closely together, to avoid obesity.
Is the blood python aggressive?▾
It has a historically defensive reputation, but captive-bred specimens are now far calmer and more manageable. Favour a captive individual and calm handling to benefit from this soothed temperament.
How long does this species live?▾
A blood python generally lives 20 to 25 years in captivity. It is a long-term commitment that should be anticipated.
Is the blood python suitable for a beginner?▾
Its care level is intermediate. Its strength, its build and its precise humidity and temperature needs make it better suited to a keeper who already has some experience with snakes.
Which substrate should be used and is UVB needed?▾
Cypress, valued for its moisture retention, or coco fibre are good choices to maintain the humid atmosphere of the terrarium. UVB lighting, for its part, is optional for this nocturnal species.
Where does the blood python come from and what health problems should be watched for?▾
It originates from the wetlands of Southeast Asia, in Malaysia and Sumatra, which explains its heat and humidity requirements. Watch above all for respiratory infections, scale rot linked to excess humidity, obesity, incomplete sheds and mites.

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