
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Python curtus
A python endemic to Sumatra and Siberut. Reddish blotches mark a beige to greyish-brown ground, the body is heavily built and the tail extremely short relative to total length. It is told from its two close relatives by how the crown scales meet.
Python curtus occurs on Sumatra, Siberut and Bangka. Adults reach 110-150 cm with a very thick body and a tail that is extremely short relative to total length. The ground colour is beige, tan or greyish brown with reddish blotches. Narrow subocular scales and parietal scales that do not meet distinguish it from its relatives P. brongersmai and P. breitensteini. It lives in rainforest, marshes, swamps and along rivers and streams, feeding on mammals and birds. It is oviparous, and females seldom lay more than a dozen large eggs; the female remains coiled around them and shivers to generate heat if the surrounding temperature falls below 32 C. Hatchlings emerge after two and a half to three months at about 30 cm. It is often regarded as unpredictable and aggressive, but well-kept captive-bred animals are far more docile than wild-caught ones. Its bulk and handling demands make it unsuitable for a first snake.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Sumatran Short-Tailed Python lives 15-25 years.
The Sumatran Short-Tailed Python grows to 110-150cm.
The ideal temperature for the Sumatran Short-Tailed Python is 27〜30℃.
Origin
Indonesia (Sumatra, Siberut and Bangka): rainforest, marsh, swamp and river banks
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 curtus Schlegel, 1872
Synonyms: Aspidoboa curta Sauvage, 1884, Python curtus curtus Stull, 1935
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 Animal Protection and Management Law 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.
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Lifespan
15-25 years
Size
110-150cm
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. A brooding female shivers to generate heat when her surroundings drop below 32 C.
It is thick and heavy, so provide a 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, feed about once a week.
It is often called unpredictable and aggressive, but properly kept and handled captive-bred animals are far more docile than wild-caught ones. Its size and handling demands suit experienced keepers.
It is a pythonid and therefore on CITES Appendix II. Japan designates only five pythons as dangerous animals, and this is not one. It has been harvested heavily for the skin trade, so 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 Sumatran Short-Tailed Python is 27〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Sumatran Short-Tailed Python is 15-25 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Sumatran Short-Tailed Python typically reaches 110-150cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Sumatran Short-Tailed Python feeds on: Mice and rats, frozen-thawed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Sumatran Short-Tailed Python varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026