Meet one of the most impressive heavy-bodied pythons in the reptile world — the Sumatran Orange Head Short-Tailed Python. This captive-bred female showcases the stunning orange and russet head coloring that makes the Sumatran locality one of the most sought-after forms of Python curtus. Built like a tank and wrapped in rich, dark earth tones contrasted by that fiery headstamp, this snake commands attention.
Short-tailed pythons are all about power in a compact package. Maxing out around 5–6 feet, they carry the weight of snakes twice their size — thick, muscular, and impressive to hold. Captive-bred animals like this one are calmer and more manageable than their wild-caught counterparts.
Available now at Jungle Treasures Exotics for $600. The Orange Head Sumatran is a collector’s snake — don’t wait on this one.
- Short-tailed pythons are among the heaviest snakes relative to their length on the planet — a 5-foot individual can weigh over 20 pounds!
- The three species of short-tailed python were once lumped as one species. The Sumatran form (P. curtus) is the “true” short-tailed python and the rarest in captivity.
- In the wild, short-tailed pythons are ambush predators that partially bury in leaf litter, using their incredible girth and lightning-fast strike to overpower prey.
Enclosure: 4’x2’x2′ minimum for adults; front-opening enclosures with deep substrate
Temperature: 78–82°F ambient with 88–90°F warm spot; avoid excessive heat
Humidity: 70–80% consistently; critical for respiratory health
Diet: Appropriately sized rats every 10–14 days; enthusiastic feeders
Lifespan: 20–30 years with proper care
Experience Level: Intermediate — best for keepers comfortable with heavy-bodied snakes
- Stunning locality coloring — Brilliant russet and orange tones that intensify with age
- Captive bred and handleable — Calmer, healthier, and more enjoyable than imports
- Massive presence, manageable size — All the heft of a giant snake in a 5–6 foot package
- Rare in the hobby — True Sumatran short-tails are far less common than their Borneo cousins
- Incredible feeding response — Enthusiastic eaters that rarely go off food
