Rough-scaled python (Morelia carinata)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Rough-scaled python (Morelia carinata) (origin: The Kimberley, Western Australia – a tiny range). Adult size around 150–200 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rough-scaled python: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×100×150 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m). Height.
Rough-scaled python: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Rough-scaled python: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Rough-scaled python: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Rough-scaled python: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×100×150 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m). Height
- Substrate
- Coco humus and bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, a water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The Kimberley, Western Australia – a tiny range
- Protection status
- Export from Australia is prohibited; extremely rare in the wild
- 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
The only python with keeled scales – unmistakable. Known from only a few localities; the European stock goes back to very few animals. Very fond of climbing, and nocturnal.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Centralian carpet python (Morelia bredli) – Intermediate
- Darwin carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) – Beginner
- Green tree python – Aru (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
- Green tree python – Biak (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
- Green tree python – Jayapura (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
- Green tree python – Lereh (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
- Green tree python – Merauke (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
- Green tree python – Sorong (Morelia viridis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Rough-scaled python (Morelia carinata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×100×150 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, over 2 m). Height), substrate (Coco humus and bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, a 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morelia_carinata, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Morelia&species=carinata
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).