Indian python (Python molurus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Indian python (Python molurus) (origin: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal). Adult size around 250–400 cm. Life expectancy 20–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Indian python: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 350×200×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2.5 m).
Indian python: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Indian python: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Indian python: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–30 years.
Indian python: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 34 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 350×200×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2.5 m)
- Substrate
- Soil and bark mulch, a large cork tube, a large water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rabbits, large rats
- Feeding interval
- every 2–4 weeks
Key facts
- Adult size
- 250–400 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years
- Origin
- India, Sri Lanka, Nepal
- Protection status
- CITES I / EU Annex A – sale ONLY with a valid EU commercial-use certificate; in addition A DANGEROUS ANIMAL in several German states
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- 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
Paler and a little smaller than the Burmese python, with which it was long lumped together. Annex A: without yellow CITES papers any sale is prohibited. Clarify the space requirement and state law in advance.
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Related species
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- Borneo short-tailed python (Python breitensteini) – Intermediate
- Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert
- Ball python (Python regius) – Beginner to intermediate
- African rock python (Python sebae) – Expert
- Southern African rock python (Python natalensis) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Indian python (Python molurus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 350×200×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, over 2.5 m)), substrate (Soil and bark mulch, a large cork tube, a large water basin), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_python, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Python&species=molurus
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).