What is the scientific name of the Rough-Scaled Python?

The scientific name of the Rough-Scaled Python is Morelia carinata.

What are other common names for the Rough-Scaled Python?

The Rough-Scaled Python is also known as Large-scaled python.

How big do Rough-Scaled Pythons get?

Adult Rough-Scaled Pythons typically reach about 4-6+ ft.

How long do Rough-Scaled Pythons live?

Rough-Scaled Pythons live about 15-20 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Rough-Scaled Python need?

Recommended temperatures for a Rough-Scaled Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-92°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Rough-Scaled Python need?

Rough-Scaled Pythons need 50-60% humidity.

Do Rough-Scaled Pythons need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Rough-Scaled Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Rough-Scaled Python need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Rough-Scaled Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” ( 6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (6ft+ ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Rough-Scaled Pythons eat?

Rough-Scaled Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.

Are Rough-Scaled Pythons good for beginners?

Rough-Scaled Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Rough-Scaled Pythons nocturnal or diurnal?

Rough-Scaled Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Rough-Scaled Python behavior like?

Common Rough-Scaled Python behavior traits: Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Not huge burrowers; May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security; Ambush predators; Arboreal python; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Only species of python with true keeled scales.

Do Rough-Scaled Pythons lay eggs?

Yes. Rough-Scaled Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Rough-Scaled Python lay?

A Rough-Scaled Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.

How long do Rough-Scaled Python eggs take to hatch?

Rough-Scaled Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Rough-Scaled Pythons?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Rough-Scaled Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best substrate for adult Rough-Scaled Pythons?

Recommended substrates for adult Rough-Scaled Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a Rough-Scaled Python?

Recommended enclosures for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Rough-Scaled Python?

Recommended lighting products for Rough-Scaled Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Rough-Scaled Python need?

Recommended heating products for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Rough-Scaled Pythons?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Rough-scaled Python

Common Name(s)	Rough-scaled python Large-scaled python
Scientific Name	Morelia carinata
Behavior	Nocturnal (active at night) Generally docile Warm up easily with consistent handling Not huge burrowers May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security Ambush predators Arboreal python Sleep on ground-under logs/hides Only species of python with true keeled scales
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~10-20 eggs Incubation: ~60-70 days
Lifespan	~15-20 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-92°F basking spot
Humidity	50-60%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~4-6+ ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months) 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum) 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum) 96”x48”x48” (6ft+ ideally) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate/Advanced If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Chicks Quail

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Subadult Rough-Scaled Pythons

Subadult Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Rough-Scaled Pythons

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Rough-Scaled Pythons

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 180 Gallon 48x24x36 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Rough-Scaled Pythons

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Rough-Scaled Pythons

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Bundles for Juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons

Juvenile Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x24, 45 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Rough-scaled Python (Morelia carinata) is a remarkable species with a highly specialized habitat in the Kimberley region of northwestern Western Australia. It is known for its distinctively rough, keeled scales, which not only provide camouflage against the rocky backgrounds of its environment but also enhance its grip when navigating the rugged terrain. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, rough-scaled pythons are generally docile and secretive snakes, preferring to hide in dense vegetation or burrow underground. These pythons are predominantly nocturnal hunters, preying on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles in their forested habitat.

Rough-scaled Pythons have a unique ecological niche, often associated with fruit-bearing trees, which attract herbivorous prey like rodents and birds. This association indicates that they may use these trees as ambush sites, capitalizing on the feeding habits of their prey. Their preference for habitats near permanent fresh water sources is also notable, as these areas support a diverse range of wildlife, providing the python with ample hunting opportunities. Although they have a limited range and specific habitat requirements, Rough-scaled Pythons are not considered at immediate risk of extinction. The species benefits from the protection of its habitat within reserves like the Charnley River–Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary., and their conservation is a priority in the regions where they are found. Their elusive nature, combined with their specialized adaptations, makes them a subject of interest for both herpetologists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Native Range

Northwestern Western Australia, specifically in the lower sections of the Mitchell and Hunter Rivers. Its range is primarily confined to the Kimberley region

Why ReptiChip?

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect rough-scaled python bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate rough-scaled python bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Rough-Scaled Python ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Rough-Scaled Python is Morelia carinata.
: The Rough-Scaled Python is also known as Large-scaled python.
: Northwestern Western Australia, specifically in the lower sections of the Mitchell and Hunter Rivers. Its range is primarily confined to the Kimberley region.
: Adult Rough-Scaled Pythons typically reach about 4-6+ ft.
: Rough-Scaled Pythons live about 15-20 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Rough-Scaled Python: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-92°F basking spot.
: Rough-Scaled Pythons need 50-60% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Rough-Scaled Pythons. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Rough-Scaled Python: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months), 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x48” (<4 ft minimum), 72”x48”x48” (<6ft minimum), 96”x48”x48” (6ft+ ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Rough-Scaled Pythons eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Chicks, Quail.
: Rough-Scaled Pythons are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate/Advanced for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Rough-Scaled Pythons are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Rough-Scaled Python behavior traits: Generally docile; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Not huge burrowers; May utilize natural crevices or burrows for shelter and security; Ambush predators; Arboreal python; Sleep on ground-under logs/hides; Only species of python with true keeled scales.
: Yes. Rough-Scaled Pythons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Rough-Scaled Python clutch is typically about 10-20 eggs.
: Rough-Scaled Python eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Rough-Scaled Pythons: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Rough-Scaled Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Rough-Scaled Pythons: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Rough-Scaled Pythons: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Rough-Scaled Pythons by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Rough-scaled Python Ultimate Habitat Bundle.