{"product_id":"african-house-snake-black-het-t-albino","title":"African House Snake (Boaedon fuliginosus) (Black het. T- Albino)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"260\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"258\"\u003eAfrican House Snake (Black het. T- Albino)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"262\" data-end=\"351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"262\" data-end=\"282\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"304\"\u003eBoaedon fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"307\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"323\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black African House Snake\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"356\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"358\" data-end=\"380\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"358\" data-end=\"378\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"382\" data-end=\"653\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"382\" data-end=\"391\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult Black African House Snakes typically reach 3–4.5 feet (0.9–1.4 m) in length, with females growing larger and more robust than males. They are smooth-scaled constrictors with a strong, glossy appearance and slightly heavier build than \u003cem data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eBoaedon capensis\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"1253\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"670\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Black African House Snake is an elegant and visually striking species known for its deep, uniform colouration. The body is jet black to dark chocolate brown with a glossy, almost iridescent sheen that shimmers under light. Some individuals may show faint bronze or blue highlights depending on lighting. The eyes are dark copper to nearly black, blending seamlessly with the surrounding scales. Unlike \u003cem data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003eB. capensis\u003c\/em\u003e, which often displays visible blotching or patterning, \u003cem data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1162\"\u003eB. fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e exhibits a nearly patternless, smooth appearance, giving it a sleek, mirror-like finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1507\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found across Central and Western Africa, including countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. The species occupies a wider tropical range compared to \u003cem data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003eB. capensis\u003c\/em\u003e and is well-adapted to warm, humid environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1509\" data-end=\"1800\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1509\" data-end=\"1521\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, Black African House Snakes inhabit savannas, forest edges, and rural areas, often residing in termite mounds, burrows, or near human dwellings. In captivity, they thrive in moderately warm, semi-humid terrestrial enclosures with secure hides and climbing options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"2152\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1816\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calm, intelligent, and adaptable, \u003cem data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003eBoaedon fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e shares the gentle disposition common to other \u003cem data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003eBoaedon\u003c\/em\u003e species. They are nocturnal hunters that feed primarily on rodents and small vertebrates. In captivity, they are easy to maintain and make excellent display animals due to their bold, glossy appearance and relaxed nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2157\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2175\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an adult enclosure measuring at least 3 feet × 18 inches × 18 inches, though larger is always beneficial. Use soft substrate such as coconut husk, soil blend, or aspen to allow for burrowing. Include multiple hides, climbing décor, and branches for enrichment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2712\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (25–30°C) with a basking spot near 90°F (32°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity moderate between 45–65%, increasing slightly during shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2915\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2723\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer thawed rodents proportional to the snake’s girth—juveniles every 5–7 days and adults every 10–14 days. These snakes are strong feeders and rarely refuse meals under proper conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3220\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"2944\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black African House Snakes are calm and confident when handled gently. They are active at night and may explore their enclosures after dusk. Their combination of low maintenance needs and elegant appearance makes them a prized addition for both new and experienced keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3222\" data-end=\"3428\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3222\" data-end=\"3249\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e These snakes are strong and highly curious—ensure enclosures are well-secured. Avoid excessive basking heat or bright lighting, as darker-coloured snakes absorb warmth quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3433\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3454\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3452\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3658\"\u003eThis species was formerly classified alongside \u003cem data-start=\"3503\" data-end=\"3521\"\u003eBoaedon capensis\u003c\/em\u003e within the same taxonomic group but has since been recognized as a distinct species based on modern genetic and morphological studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3772\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3686\"\u003eFormer Classification:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"3705\"\u003eBoaedon capensis\u003c\/em\u003e (Black Phase)\u003cbr data-start=\"3719\" data-end=\"3722\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3722\" data-end=\"3748\"\u003eCurrent Accepted Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"3770\"\u003eBoaedon fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3774\" data-end=\"4144\"\u003eThis reclassification reflects the genetic separation between \u003cem data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3849\"\u003eB. capensis\u003c\/em\u003e (the Common African House Snake) and \u003cem data-start=\"3887\" data-end=\"3903\"\u003eB. fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e (the Black African House Snake), confirming that the latter is a separate species with a wider distribution across Central and Western Africa. The distinction is now widely accepted in both herpetological literature and the reptile trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4149\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4151\" data-end=\"4170\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4151\" data-end=\"4168\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4172\" data-end=\"4538\"\u003eThe Black African House Snake represents the naturally dark, high-melanin phenotype of \u003cem data-start=\"4259\" data-end=\"4280\"\u003eBoaedon fuliginosus\u003c\/em\u003e. This form is not a morph but a naturally occurring trait expressed consistently across the species’ range. No selectively bred morphs or genetic variations are currently recognized, and colour uniformity remains a defining characteristic of this species.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis animal is \u003cstrong\u003ehet (heterozygous)\u003c\/strong\u003e for the \u003cstrong\u003eT- Albino\u003c\/strong\u003e gene, which can produce T- Albino offspring if paired with another het T- Albino individual. T- Albino African house snakes are completely lacking in melanin, with a pale cream or white appearance with red eyes and red pupils. T- Albino juveniles often appear pink.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Male","offer_id":67710631149783,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0016\/8611\/0252\/files\/IMG_5104.jpg?v=1791411512","url":"https:\/\/tailsandscales.ca\/products\/african-house-snake-black-het-t-albino","provider":"Tails and Scales ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}