Brief Overview of Python anchietae
Angolan Python Care Sheet
By Paul de Boer, Jr.
Latin name: Python anchietae
Common name: Angolan Python; Dwarf Python
First formally described by: J.V. Barbosa du Bocage
Year of first formal description: 1887
Habits and characteristics of Python anchietae noted in articles authored by prominent snake breeders:
- “one of our quickest and easiest projects”
- “calm, alert, and inquisitive”
- “docile and gentle”
- “captive care of Angolan Pythons is fairly straightforward and predictable,”
- “hardy hatchlings”
- “hatchlings have an incredibly strong feeding response”
- “Ease of care, a docile disposition, and relatively simple captive breeding parameters make this species one of the most desirable captives”
- “[Angolan Pythons] have some of the most attractive qualities available for any captive snake species”
Natural habitat: Angola and Namibia; dry, sandy, rocky areas
Average annual precipitation in natural habitat: 4-8 inches
Temperature range of natural habitat: below freezing in winter to exceeding 123 degrees F in summer
Approximate age to maturity: 3-4 years
Approximate length at maturity: 6 feet
Approximate weight at maturity: 1300-1800 grams
Appropriate feeding for adult: two mice every 7-10 days
Production: 6-10 eggs per clutch, one clutch every 1-2 years
Approximate length of hatchlings at 14 days of age: 17-19 inches
Approximate weight of hatchlings at 14 days of age: 62-64 grams
Appropriate feeding for hatchling: one pinky mouse per week
Suitable enclosure for hatchlings in captivity:
Size: 15 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, 6 inches tall
Ambient temperature: 78-80 degrees
Basking temperature: 88-90 degrees
Substrate: moistened paper towel until first shed; aspen shavings after
shed
Furniture: 2 hideboxes – one on cool side, one on warm side; waterbowl
large enough for the snake to completely submerge
Enclosure for adults breeding pair in captivity:
Size: 4 feet long, 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide
Ambient temperature: 78-80 degrees (10 degree night-drop during winter)
Basking temperature: 88-90 degrees
Substrate: 4-5 inches of shredded aspen
Furniture: 2 hideboxes – one on cool side, one on warm side; waterbowl large enough for the snake to completely submerge; nesting box when appropriate