Sumatran short-tailed python (Python curtus)

Short answers

Sumatran short-tailed python: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 200×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, up to 2.5 m); more for large females.

Sumatran short-tailed python: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–31 °C, basking spot 32–33 °C (local warm zone, no pronounced basking spot needed), at night 24–26 °C.

Sumatran short-tailed python: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal); low-dose UVB optional.

Sumatran short-tailed python: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–25 years (sometimes up to 30).

Sumatran short-tailed python: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–31 °C

Night temperature

24–26 °C

Basking spot

32–33 °C (local warm zone, no pronounced basking spot needed)

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

UVB not essential (crepuscular/nocturnal); low-dose UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 200×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, up to 2.5 m); more for large females

Substrate

Moisture-retaining: pine bark, cypress mulch or terrarium humus with sphagnum zones, slightly damp; a large water basin

Feeding

Food

Frozen food – rats or mice of a suitable size

Feeding interval

adults every 2–3 weeks, juveniles every 7–10 days

Key facts

Adult size

150–200 cm, very heavy-bodied; females larger

Life expectancy

20–25 years (sometimes up to 30)

Origin

Sumatra (Indonesia) – rainforest and swamp forest

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin required, and registration where applicable

Brumation

No real winter rest; a slight drop only to stimulate breeding

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – territorial, with a risk of stress and bites; only for supervised breeding

Notes

Python curtus = the Sumatran short-tailed python, often called the "black blood python" in the trade (dark brown to deep black, often with a paler, silvery head). A robust species, but sensitive to permanently low humidity. Being overweight from feeding too often is the commonest mistake.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Angolan python (Python anchietae) – Intermediate
• Red blood python (Python brongersmai) – Intermediate
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• Burmese python (Python bivittatus) – Expert
• Indian python (Python molurus) – Expert
• Ball python (Python regius) – Beginner to intermediate
• African rock python (Python sebae) – Expert
• Southern African rock python (Python natalensis) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Sumatran short-tailed python (Python curtus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 200×100×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, up to 2.5 m); more for large females), substrate (Moisture-retaining: pine bark, cypress mulch or terrarium humus with sphagnum zones, slightly damp; 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.