Encyclopaedia
ReptileTerrestrialExpert
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Burmese python 'Granite'
Python bivittatus "Granite"
A color mutation of the Burmese python characterized by a finely speckled pattern resembling granite and gigantic dimensions that require significant space.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Pythonidae
Genus:Python
Species:Python bivittatus "Granite"
Share
Check out Burmese python 'Granite' on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
24 - 35 °C
Night temperature
24 - 27 °C
Adult size
500 cm
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Python bivittatus is native to the dense rainforests, marshes, and grassy plains of Southeast Asia, including countries like Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The 'Granite' morph is a genetic mutation selected and bred in captivity, not commonly found in the wild. In their natural habitat, these pythons live in warm and humid environments, usually near permanent water sources like rivers and lakes, as they are excellent swimmers.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Pythonidae, genus Python. The 'Granite' mutation is a genetic trait (often recessive or co-dominant depending on the lineage) that drastically alters the distribution of skin pigments, breaking down the large blotches of the wild-type phenotype into a myriad of tiny dark speckles on a lighter background, creating a granite-like appearance.
Behavior and Habits: This is a primarily nocturnal or crepuscular reptile. As juveniles, they exhibit semi-arboreal habits, whereas adults become strictly terrestrial due to their heavy body weight. They generally possess a docile temperament if handled regularly from a young age, but due to their massive size and constricting strength, they require constant attention and at least two people to handle adult specimens.
Morphology: Features a massive and highly muscular body. The coloration of the 'Granite' morph lacks the large geometric brown blotches of the wild type, replaced by a dense and grainy pattern of dark spots on a gray-brown or golden background. The head has a characteristic arrowhead shape. Adults can reach and exceed a length of 3 to 5 meters, with significant weight.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: For an adult specimen, a massive, often custom-built terrarium is required, with minimum dimensions of at least 240x100x100 cm. The enclosure structure must be extremely sturdy to withstand the snake's physical strength. The ideal substrate consists of coconut fiber, dust-free wood chips (non-resinous), or damp peat. Provide sturdy hiding places and a very large water basin.
Lighting and Heating: Heating must be provided via radiant panels or shielded ceramic heat lamps to prevent burns. The temperature must feature a thermal gradient: a warm basking zone at 32-34°C (90-93°F) and a cool zone at 26-28°C (79-82°F), with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 23-24°C (73-75°F). A high-quality thermostat is essential. UVB lighting is recommended for general well-being.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires a constant humidity level between 60% and 80%, which should be increased during the shedding period to facilitate the complete removal of the skin. This is achieved by regularly misting the substrate and providing a water container large enough for the entire snake to submerge.
Feeding and Supplementation: A strict carnivore. It feeds on mice and rats as a juvenile, transitioning to rabbits, chickens, or guinea pigs as an adult. Feeding pre-killed, defrosted prey is highly recommended to prevent injuries from live rodents. Adults should be fed every 3-4 weeks. No vitamin supplementation is needed if the diet is healthy.
Compatibility: It is a strictly solitary animal. Multiple specimens must never be housed in the same terrarium, except during supervised breeding periods, as severe territorial conflicts or extreme stress can occur. General management should always be performed by experienced keepers.
Health and Common Diseases: Main risks include respiratory infections (caused by drafts or too low temperatures), infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and ulcerative dermatitis (scale rot) from dirty or overly wet substrate. Managing a snake of this size requires careful planning, including for veterinary visits.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Python bivittatus is native to the dense rainforests, marshes, and grassy plains of Southeast Asia, including countries like Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The 'Granite' morph is a genetic mutation selected and bred in captivity, not commonly found in the wild. In their natural habitat, these pythons live in warm and humid environments, usually near permanent water sources like rivers and lakes, as they are excellent swimmers.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsNorth AmericaSouth and Southeast Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 500 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 500 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 500 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
