{"product_id":"spotted-python","title":"Spotted Python | Antaresia maculosa","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Spotted Python is a small, hardy Australian python patterned with rich chocolate blotches over a warm tan ground - calm, inquisitive and easy to feed, it is one of the best first pythons a keeper can choose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pythons occur through the rocky ranges, open forests and coastal woodlands of eastern and north-eastern Australia, sheltering in caves, crevices, hollow logs and disused burrows and often hunting around cave mouths for bats and small vertebrates. Natural origin for this listing is eastern and north-eastern Australia. The enclosure should recreate that warm, sheltered, ground-dwelling environment with secure hides at both ends, some low climbing structure, a firm dry substrate and a stable temperature gradient.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA healthy specimen is well-muscled with clear eyes, a clean vent and a smooth, glossy body. The pattern is a series of dark brown to reddish blotches and spots scattered over a pale to golden-tan background, often merging along the body. Adult size is generally 90–140 cm, so the animal should never be purchased only for its current size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as calm, curious and food-driven, and most settle quickly into regular gentle handling. They are best housed one snake to an enclosure. Pythons do not need company, and cohabiting risks stress, competition at feeding and the danger of a feeding-response mistake, so pairs are only brought together briefly and under supervision for breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a carnivore; appropriately sized rodents no wider than the thickest part of the snake. Hatchlings take pinkie mice and step up in prey size as they grow, while adults take an adult mouse or small rat roughly every one to two weeks. Feed less often as they mature, always thaw and warm frozen prey thoroughly, and feed in the enclosure or a separate container as preferred. Fresh water should be available at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA hatchling can start in a small, secure tub and move up as it grows; an adult needs a minimum floor space of about 90 x 45 cm, with 120 x 60 x 60 cm or larger recommended. Provide a warm basking end of 30–32°C and a cooler end of 23–25°C, with a night-time drop to around 22°C, controlled by a thermostat. UVB is not essential for this nocturnal species but low-level UVB is beneficial. Keep humidity moderate, around 45–55%, raising it slightly during shedding. Use a dry, absorbent substrate, offer a snug hide at each end, a sturdy branch or two and a water bowl large enough to drink from, and spot-clean regularly with periodic full cleans.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pythons are egg-layers, cycled for breeding with a cooler, drier winter period and a natural drop in night temperatures. After mating and a pre-lay slough the female lays a clutch of roughly 7–20 eggs, which are typically incubated at about 30–32°C for around 50–60 days, or brooded by the female. Breeding is straightforward by python standards but is best left to keepers set up to incubate eggs and raise hatchlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAntaresia maculosa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpotted Python\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRocky ranges, open forests and coastal woodlands of eastern and north-eastern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90–140 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–25 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalm, curious and food-driven; generally docile and easy to handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 90 x 45 cm floor for one adult\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Enclosure Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 x 60 x 60 cm or larger, single occupant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore - appropriately sized rodents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasking Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–32°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbient Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23–25°C cool end, dropping to around 22°C at night\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUVB Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot essential but beneficial — UV Index 1.0–2.0 + 2–5% UVB — not essential but recommended - low-level UVB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate, around 45–55%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner keepers wanting a small, hardy, easy-going python\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLicence Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes - reptile keeper's licence in most Australian states\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone. Spotted Pythons are solitary and thrive housed alone; they do not need or benefit from company.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not house with other snakes of any species or size, or with any other animals, which would only be treated as competition or prey. Even other Spotted Pythons should share an enclosure only briefly and under supervision for breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSize options reflect the sizes we stock; any shown as sold out will return as we restock. Australian livestock for in-store collection or local delivery, with our live arrival guarantee. A reptile keeper's licence is required to buy and keep native reptiles and amphibians in most Australian states - please ensure you hold the appropriate licence for your state before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234112389411,"sku":"AA3033","price":295.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/spotted-python.jpg?v=1781504972","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/spotted-python","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}