Sumatran short-tailed python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Sumatran short-tailed python get?

An adult Sumatran short-tailed python typically measures 1.2–1.6 m.

Husbandry requirements

Sumatran short-tailed python — origin: Sumatra (Indonesia) and neighbouring islands: humid forests, swamps and low-altitude floodplains..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min23 °C

Cool side24–27 °C

Warm side30–32 °C

A tropical lowland species SENSITIVE TO HEAT: never exceed 32-33 °C at the hottest point, as overheating is a frequent cause of mortality. No true bright hot spot is needed (nocturnal terrestrial species): favour background heat from a heat mat or radiant panel regulated by a thermostat, never in direct contact without protection (risk of burns). A slight night-time drop is tolerated.

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 45 cm

Robust horizontal terrarium or PVC enclosure; floor area is favoured over height.

Terrestrial species: floor space is paramount. Indicative minimum for an adult; an enclosure whose length is close to that of the snake (150 cm) is preferable. Provide two snug hides (warm side and cool side), good ventilation to avoid stagnant air, and secure closures. Avoid enclosures that are too tall and open, which stress the animal.

Humidity

60–80 %

Maintain 60-70% routinely, up to 75-80% during sheds. It is IMPERATIVE to combine high humidity with good ventilation: a soggy substrate and stale air promote scale rot and respiratory infections.

Substrate

Cypress mulchCoconut fibre / chipsOrchid barkSphagnum moss (as a supplement for humidity)

Choose a substrate that retains humidity without staying saturated. Remove soiling immediately and replace regularly: given the massive and infrequent volume of droppings, monitoring and an occasional full clean-out are essential. Avoid water-logged substrate against the belly.

UVB

Optional

Not essential (nocturnal species). Low-intensity UVB (low UV index, 5-6% tube) remains beneficial; above all ensure a regular day/night cycle of about 12 hours.

Water source

Always available

A large, clean and stable water container, available at all times, wide enough for an occasional soak. Renew frequently. A snake that stays abnormally submerged may signal mites or insufficient ambient humidity.

Origin

Pythonidae

Sumatra (Indonesia) and neighbouring islands: humid forests, swamps and low-altitude floodplains.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (rodents) — Rats and mice of appropriate size (thawed prey); occasionally chicks.

Very slow metabolism and a very efficient digestive system: feed in moderation (adult: one appropriate prey item roughly every 3 to 4 weeks; juveniles more often). Species very prone to OBESITY: avoid overfeeding. Droppings are infrequent (sometimes once every 3 to 6 months) but large in volume, which is normal for this species.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 8–15 eggs/young. Maternal incubation: the female coils around the eggs and produces heat through muscular shivering (facultative thermogenesis). Incubation of about 2 to 3 months. Reproduction triggered by a slight cooling/seasonal cycle.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature, stale air, poorly managed humidity)
Scale rot / bacterial dermatitis (substrate too humid or soiled)
Obesity (overfeeding, slow metabolism)
Snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis), common on imported animals
Difficult shedding (dysecdysis) if humidity is insufficient

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes for Sumatran short-tailed python.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Caramel (T+) t-plus albinoRec
CalicoDom

Pairing calculator

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

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Sumatran short-tailed python × Sumatran short-tailed 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 sumatran short-tailed python.

How big does an adult Sumatran short-tailed python get?▾

An adult Sumatran short-tailed python typically measures 1.2–1.6 m (the smallest of the short-tailed python complex, but extremely massive and heavy (stocky body, strong musculature). a 1.5 m adult can weigh several kilos.).

What temperature and humidity does a Sumatran short-tailed python need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–27 °C on the cool side to 30–32 °C on the warm side. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Sumatran short-tailed python eat?▾

Carnivore (rodents): Rats and mice of appropriate size (thawed prey); occasionally chicks..

Is the Sumatran short-tailed python a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Defensive and very vocal: it huffs, puffs and hisses loudly, behaviour often wrongly mistaken for aggression or a respiratory infection. Captive-bred (CB) animals are generally docile with regular handling; wild-caught (WC) specimens are nervous, stressed and prone to biting, and acclimate poorly. Non-venomous, but a powerful, very muscular constrictor: favour CB animals. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–25 yrs.

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