Species profile · Pythonidae

Reticulated Python

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

python reticulatusretic
Adult size
3–6 m
Lifespan
15–25 yrs
Difficulty
Expert
Temperament
Nocturnal
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Reticulated Python — origin: Southeast Asia.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min24 °C
Cool side26–28 °C
Warm side29–31 °C
Basking spot32–34 °C
Enclosure (adult)
240 × 120 × 90 cm

Large custom-built terrarium

Adult mainland-form specimens: handle with at least two people

Humidity
60–70 %
Substrate
Cypress
UVB
Optional

Optional

Water source
Always available

Very large water tub

Origin
Pythonidae

Southeast Asia

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — large rodents, rabbits — Appropriately sized prey; safe feeding (hook, separation)

Powerful constrictor — a safety protocol is essential

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 25–80 eggs/young. Maternal incubation

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections
  • Obesity
  • Scale rot
  • Mites
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 17 documented genes for Reticulated Python.

  • Albino (Clark T− — White phase) white albinoRec
  • Albino (Clark T− — Purple phase) purple albinoRec
  • Indo Caramel (T+ Albino) indo caramel albinoRec
  • Mocha (T+ Albino) t+ mochaRec
  • Caramel Albino (Foulsham T+) foulsham caramelRec
  • Anerythristic aneryRec
  • Orange Ghost Stripe (OGS) ogsRec
  • Genetic Stripe gsRec
  • AnthraxRec
  • Piebald piedRec
  • TigerInc.d
  • Sunfire sunInc.d
  • Platinum fireInc.d
  • Phantom het bluelInc.d
  • MotleyInc.d
  • Golden Child gcInc.d
  • Jaguar jagInc.d
04

Pairing calculator

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

🧬

Reticulated Python × Reticulated 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 reticulated python.

How large does the reticulated python get?▾
It is one of the longest snakes in the world: the mainland form from Southeast Asia reaches 300 to 600 cm, while the dwarf and super-dwarf localities stay far more modest, at 180 to 300 cm.
Is it a snake for beginners?▾
No, it is a species rated expert-level. Large specimens are reserved for seasoned keepers; only the dwarf or captive-bred lines, which are calmer, soften the picture, without however lifting the safety requirements.
What housing does it need?▾
It requires a large custom-built terrarium, at least on the order of 240 x 120 x 90 cm for an adult. Its power demands particularly sturdy fittings.
How do you handle it safely?▾
It is a powerful constrictor: a safety protocol is essential. An adult mainland-form specimen is handled by at least two people, never alone.
What does it eat and how often?▾
A carnivore, it consumes large rodents and appropriately sized rabbits, every 2 to 4 weeks as an adult. Feeding must be done safely, with a hook and by offsetting the opening, as its feeding response is intense.
What temperatures and humidity should be maintained?▾
Maintain a basking spot of 32 to 34 °C, a warm zone of 29 to 31 °C and a cool side of 26 to 28 °C, without dropping below 24 °C at night, with humidity between 60 and 70 %.
Does it need a large water source?▾
Yes, a very large water container must remain available at all times, in proportion to the animal.
Is UVB necessary?▾
UVB is optional for this species: it is not required, but can be provided if desired.
How long does the reticulated python live?▾
Its life expectancy ranges from 15 to 25 years, a commitment to weigh against its size and its space requirements.
What is its behaviour?▾
Nocturnal, it is semi-arboreal when young. Its temperament remains variable, but its strength and alertness make it above all a species to respect and to handle methodically.
What health problems should be watched for?▾
The main ones are respiratory infections, obesity, scale rot and mites.

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