Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) (origin: North-eastern Queensland, Australia). Adult size around 300–450 cm; exceptional individuals noticeably larger, the largest reliably measured female was 565 cm at 24 kg. Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Australian scrub python: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 250×225×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m).
Australian scrub python: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Australian scrub python: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Australian scrub python: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Australian scrub python: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 250×225×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)
- Substrate
- Bark mulch, very sturdy climbing branches, a large water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rats and rabbits
- Feeding interval
- every 2–3 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 300–450 cm; exceptional individuals noticeably larger, the largest reliably measured female was 565 cm at 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- North-eastern Queensland, Australia
- Protection status
- Export from Australia is prohibited – only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Split from S. amethistina in 2000. Very fond of climbing despite its considerable length – stout, high-mounted branches are essential. Slender in build, and so less heavy than other giant pythons.
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Related species
- Amethystine python (Simalia amethistina) – Intermediate to expert
- Boelen's python (Simalia boeleni) – Expert
- Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
- Black-headed python (Aspidites melanocephalus) – Intermediate
- Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert
- Indian python (Python molurus) – Expert
- Ball python (Python regius) – Beginner to intermediate
- Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Australian scrub python (Simalia kinghorni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 250×225×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2 m)), substrate (Bark mulch, very sturdy climbing branches, a large water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, eu_annex.txt (lokal, VO (EU) 2026/1383), gutachten.txt (lokal, BML 1997), reptile-care.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).