What is the scientific name of the African Rock Python?

The scientific name of the African Rock Python is Python sebae.

What are other common names for the African Rock Python?

The African Rock Python is also known as Sebae python, Rock python, African python, and Northern African rock python.

Where are African Rock Pythons native to?

African Rock Pythons are native to Africa.

How big do African Rock Pythons get?

Adult African Rock Pythons typically reach about 16-20 ft.

How long do African Rock Pythons live?

African Rock Pythons live about 20-30 years with proper care.

What temperatures does an African Rock Python need?

Recommended temperatures for an African Rock Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does an African Rock Python need?

African Rock Pythons need 60-70% humidity.

Do African Rock Pythons need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits African Rock Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does an African Rock Python need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for an African Rock Python: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” ( 6ft/Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum); >10ft/Adult: 120”x24”x24” (minimum); >12ft/Adult: 144”x24”x24” (minimum); >14ft/Adult: 168”x24”x24” (minimum); >16ft/Adult: 192”x24”x24” (minimum); >18ft/Adult: 216”x24”x24” (minimum); >20ft/Adult: 240”x24”x24” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do African Rock Pythons eat?

African Rock Pythons eat: Carnivorous; Rodents; Quail; Chicks; Rabbits; Pigs.

Are African Rock Pythons good for beginners?

African Rock Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are African Rock Pythons nocturnal or diurnal?

African Rock Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).

What is African Rock Python behavior like?

Common African Rock Python behavior traits: Can be fearful/defensive; Ambush hunters; Bask during the day; Proficient swimmers (need large water source); Love to burrow; Strong constrictors; Warm up with confident keepers over time.

Do African Rock Pythons lay eggs?

Yes. African Rock Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does an African Rock Python lay?

An African Rock Python clutch is typically about 20-100 eggs.

How long do African Rock Python eggs take to hatch?

African Rock Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult African Rock Pythons?

Recommended substrates for adult African Rock Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for an African Rock Python?

Recommended enclosures for African Rock Pythons by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for an African Rock Python?

Recommended lighting products for African Rock Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for African Rock Pythons?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for African Rock Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

African Rock Python

Common Name(s)	African rock python Sebae python Rock python African python Northern African rock python
Scientific Name	Python sebae
Behavior	Nocturnal (active at night) Can be fearful/defensive Ambush hunters Bask during the day Proficient swimmers (need large water source) Love to burrow Strong constrictors Warm up with confident keepers over time
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~20-100 eggs Incubation: ~60-90 days
Lifespan	~20-30 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	60-70%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~16-20 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) <6ft/Sub Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum) >6ft/Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum) >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum) >10ft/Adult: 120”x24”x24” (minimum) >12ft/Adult: 144”x24”x24” (minimum) >14ft/Adult: 168”x24”x24” (minimum) >16ft/Adult: 192”x24”x24” (minimum) >18ft/Adult: 216”x24”x24” (minimum) >20ft/Adult: 240”x24”x24” (minimum) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Advanced If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous Rodents Quail Chicks Rabbits Pigs

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Subadult African Rock Python s

Subadult African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult African Rock Python s

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult African Rock Python s

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult African Rock Python s

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult African Rock Python s

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 80W – 22.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Juvenile African Rock Python s

Juvenile African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile African Rock Python s

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Juvenile African Rock Python s

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile African Rock Python s

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile African Rock Python s

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 40W – 12.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

The African Rock Python (Python sebae) is one of Africa's largest and most formidable snake species, renowned for its impressive size and powerful constricting abilities. This python can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters), with some individuals even surpassing this mark. Their massive girth and muscular build make them one of the largest snake species in the world. African Rock Pythons exhibit a distinctive pattern of dark, irregular bands and blotches against a lighter background, which helps them blend into their natural habitats. They are often found in a range of environments, from savannas and grasslands to forests and wetlands, showcasing their adaptability. Despite their size, these pythons are agile climbers and swimmers, further extending their predatory skills and survival strategies.

African Rock Pythons are known for their diverse diet, which reflects their status as apex predators in their ecosystems. They primarily feed on a wide range of prey including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Their hunting technique involves using their keen sense of smell to locate prey and then employing their powerful coils to constrict and suffocate it before ingestion. These pythons are also known for their impressive reproductive behavior; females lay large clutches of eggs, which they incubate by coiling around them to regulate temperature and humidity. The African Rock Python's ability to thrive in various environments and its role as a top predator highlight its ecological importance and adaptability.

Native Range

Africa

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Common African Rock Python ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the African Rock Python is Python sebae.
: The African Rock Python is also known as Sebae python, Rock python, African python, and Northern African rock python.
: African Rock Pythons are native to Africa.
: Adult African Rock Pythons typically reach about 16-20 ft.
: African Rock Pythons live about 20-30 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for an African Rock Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: African Rock Pythons need 60-70% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits African Rock Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for an African Rock Python: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); <6ft/Sub Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); >6ft/Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); >8ft/Adult: 96”x24”x24” (minimum); >10ft/Adult: 120”x24”x24” (minimum); >12ft/Adult: 144”x24”x24” (minimum); >14ft/Adult: 168”x24”x24” (minimum); >16ft/Adult: 192”x24”x24” (minimum); >18ft/Adult: 216”x24”x24” (minimum); >20ft/Adult: 240”x24”x24” (minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: African Rock Pythons eat: Carnivorous; Rodents; Quail; Chicks; Rabbits; Pigs.
: African Rock Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: African Rock Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common African Rock Python behavior traits: Can be fearful/defensive; Ambush hunters; Bask during the day; Proficient swimmers (need large water source); Love to burrow; Strong constrictors; Warm up with confident keepers over time.
: Yes. African Rock Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: An African Rock Python clutch is typically about 20-100 eggs.
: African Rock Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile African Rock Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult African Rock Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult African Rock Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for African Rock Pythons by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for African Rock Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for African Rock Pythons: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for African Rock Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult African Rock Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.