The numbers
Enclosure
180 × 60 × 60 cm
Diet
Rats → larger rodents / rabbits (adults) · Every 2–4 weeks (avoid obesity)
Temperature
warm 31–33 °C (88–90 °F) / cool 26–28 °C (79–82 °F)
Humidity
60–75% (mist / humid hide)
UVB
Recommended (low–moderate)
Identity
Family / Order
Boidae / Squamata
Distribution
Tropical forest to dry scrub
Adult size
♀ 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) · ♂ 5–7 ft
Lifespan (captivity)
25–30 yrs
Activity
Nocturnal; semi-arboreal when young
Temperament
Generally calm but powerful; needs experience
Price (THB)
~2,500–8,000 (morphs much more)
Morphs
15 morphs, with how each one is inherited.
Albino (Kahl)RecessiveSuper form: —
Albino (Sharp)RecessiveSuper form: —
AnerythristicRecessiveSuper form: —
ArabesqueCo-dominantPatternSuper form: —
BloodRecessiveSuper form: —
Ghost (Hypo+Anery)comboSuper form: —
HurricaneCo-dominantSuper form: —
HypoCo-dominantReduced melaninSuper form: Super Hypo
IMG (Increasing Melanin)Co-dominantSuper = 'sterling' lookSuper form: Super IMG
JungleCo-dominantPatternSuper form: —
LeopardCo-dominantPatternSuper form: Super Leopard
MotleyCo-dominantPatternSuper form: Super Motley
PastelCo-dominantSuper form: —
Snow (Albino+Anery)comboSuper form: —
Sunglow (Hypo+Albino)comboSuper form: —
Enclosure and conditions
Warm side / hot spot
31–33 °C (88–90 °F)
Cool side
26–28 °C (79–82 °F)
Humidity
60–75% (mist / humid hide)
UVB
Recommended (low–moderate)
Min. size (adult)
180 × 60 × 60 cm (6×2×2 ft) minimum
Substrate
Cypress mulch / coco (holds humidity)
Hides
Sturdy hides + strong climbing branch
Water
Large bowl to soak
Diet
Staple
Rats → larger rodents / rabbits (adults)
Prey size
No wider than the snake's girth
Method
Frozen-thawed preferred
Juveniles
Every 7–10 days
Adults
Every 2–4 weeks (avoid obesity)
Supplements
None needed
Fasting
Normal seasonally
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Two-person handling for large adults; support body
Strength
Powerful constrictor — never handle alone when very large
Cohabitation
House individually
Defense
Hiss & strike if stressed; usually tames well
Children
Adult-only for large specimens
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
♀ 3–4 yrs · ♂ 1.5–2 yrs
Reproduction
Live-bearing (viviparous)
Litter
10–40+ neonates
Gestation
~100–150 days
Breeding trigger
Mild cool + seasonal cycling
Common health problems
Respiratory infection
Signsopen-mouth breathing, mucus
Preventkeep warm enough + ventilation
Obesity
Signscommon with overfeeding
Preventspace feedings 2–4 weeks
Scale rot / thermal burns
Signsbelly lesions / burns
Preventdry substrate; guard heat sources
Mites
Signstiny dots, soaking
Preventquarantine new arrivals
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
- One of the most morph-rich large snakes (albino, hypo, motley, kahl…).
- Uses heat-sensing and constriction, not venom, to hunt.
Common questions
How big does it really get?
Commonly 6–8 ft; a serious long-term commitment.
Is it dangerous?
Not venomous, but large & strong — respect + experience needed.
Beginner-friendly?
Better as a second snake after a corn/ball.
What it needs
- Large enclosure 180×60×60+
- Thermostat + guard
- Radiant heat panel
- Large sturdy hides
- Cypress substrate
- Large water tub
- UVB fixture
- F/T rats