
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Python breitensteini
A heavy-bodied python endemic to Borneo. Brown blotches mark a tan ground and the head is usually yellow. The tail is extremely short and the body very thick; weights can exceed 13 kg.
Python breitensteini is a pythonid endemic to the island of Borneo. It usually stays around 120 cm, though lengths of 210 cm have been reported. It is exceptionally heavy-bodied, reaching 13.6 kg, with females larger than males. The head is broad with several thermoreceptive pits along the snout, and the tail is short and abruptly tapering. Colour is typically tan with highly variable brown blotching; some animals appear more yellow than brown. Juveniles are more strongly patterned than adults and usually have a yellow head. It lives at low elevations on poorly drained flood plains and around the edges of swamps, and it also uses habitat created by farm irrigation. It once had a reputation for a bad temper, but captive-bred animals are recognised as far easier to handle than wild-caught ones, and the species has grown in popularity. Almost all of the early imports were animals originally taken for the skin trade.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Borneo Short-Tailed Python lives 20-30 years.
The Borneo Short-Tailed Python grows to 120-210cm.
The ideal temperature for the Borneo Short-Tailed Python is 27〜30℃.
Origin
Borneo (Brunei, Indonesian Kalimantan, Malaysian Sabah and Sarawak)
Lifespan
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Blood Python / Wikipedia (English) / Reptile Database
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Python breitensteini Steindachner, 1881
Synonyms: Python curtus breitensteini Kirschner, 1997, Aspidoboa breitensteini Hoser, 2004
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
The family Pythonidae spp. is listed in CITES Appendix II (Species+). As it is in Appendix II, a registration certificate is not required. Among species in the family Pythonidae, only five are designated as specified animals in the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals Enforcement Decree, and this species is not among them.
Sources: CITES Appendices (ニシキヘビ科 Pythonidae spp. 附属書II) / IUCN Red List / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, Appended Table
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
20-30 years
Size
120-210cm
Temperature
27〜30℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Mice and rats, frozen-thawed
General python and boa guidance applies: about 30 C by day and 27 C at night, with a basking spot a few degrees warmer at one end. Avoid both excessive dryness and stagnant damp, and keep the cage ventilated.
It is a heavy animal that can reach 13.6 kg, so it needs a large, sturdy enclosure matched to its bulk. Keep it clean and well ventilated, with hides and a water bowl of non-porous material always available.
Carnivorous, taking frozen-thawed mice and rats. As with most pythons and boas, once a week is the usual interval. Given its build it gains weight easily, so avoid overfeeding.
It has a reputation for a bad temper, but captive-bred animals are far more tractable than wild-caught ones. Even so it is heavy with a strong bite, so take care around feeding.
It is a pythonid and therefore on CITES Appendix II. Japan designates only five pythons as dangerous animals, and this is not one of them. Because the trade began with animals caught for skins, choose captive-bred stock.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Borneo Short-Tailed Python is 27〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Borneo Short-Tailed Python is 20-30 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Borneo Short-Tailed Python typically reaches 120-210cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Borneo Short-Tailed Python feeds on: Mice and rats, frozen-thawed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Borneo Short-Tailed Python varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026