Reptile · Python
Spotted python care guide
Antaresia maculosa
The spotted python is a beginner-level python from NE Australia, S New Guinea. Adults reach 90–140 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Uses height and rock crevices; add climbing branches. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a spotted python cost in Canada?
Spotted python quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 90–140 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- NE Australia, S New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Spotted python enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a spotted python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days; juveniles every 7 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm and curious; juveniles can be nippy.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and mites.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a spotted python bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Spotted python FAQ
Is the spotted python good for beginners?
Yes – the spotted python is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm and curious; juveniles can be nippy.
What size enclosure does a spotted python need?
At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a spotted python cost in Canada?
Typically $250–500 CAD to buy, about $630–1170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a spotted python need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a spotted python eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days; juveniles every 7 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.