Ball Python (Pastel Special DH Ultramel/Clown)

Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python

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Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m), with females often larger and bulkier than males. Some females may approach 6 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Pastel (co-dominant): Increases brightness, enhances yellow/gold tones, and reduces darker pigmentation. Two copies form the vivid Super Pastel.

  • Special (co-dominant): Alters side patterns and colouration, and when combined with Mojave or certain other morphs, produces the highly sought-after Crystal complex morphs.

  • Ultramel (recessive – het form): Carried here as one copy. When visual, Ultramel produces rich orange, copper, and caramel tones, replacing black pigmentation with a warmer colour palette.

  • Clown (recessive – het form): Carried here as one copy. When visual, Clown displays bold dorsal striping, reduced side patterning, and distinctive head markings.

  • Together, this morph is a bright, patterned ball python with genetic potential for vibrant Ultramel Clown combinations.

• Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, where they inhabit grasslands, savannahs, and agricultural regions.

• Habitat: A terrestrial and burrow-dwelling species, frequently using rodent tunnels for security, stable humidity, and thermoregulation.

• Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding mainly on small mammals and birds.

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Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults thrive in a 40-gallon breeder (36” × 18” × 18”) or equivalent. Include secure hides on both the warm and cool ends, climbing décor, and a water dish large enough for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Allow nighttime drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Keep humidity at 50–60%, with slight increases during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles should be fed hopper mice or rat pups every 5–7 days; adults thrive on medium rats every 10–14 days. Match prey size to the snake’s girth.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Like other ball pythons, Pastel Special DH Ultramel/Clowns are calm, manageable, and thrive in captivity, making them well-suited for keepers of all experience levels.

• Special Considerations: While morphs alter appearance, husbandry requirements remain consistent across all ball python morphs.

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Genetics Note

• Pastel (Co-Dominant): Brightens yellow/gold tones, increases contrast, and reduces dark pigmentation. Two copies produce the vivid Super Pastel.

• Special (Co-Dominant): Alters colour and pattern, and is part of the “Crystal complex” when combined with other morphs such as Mojave.

• Ultramel (Recessive – Het Form): This snake carries one copy; when visual, it produces rich orange, copper, and caramel tones in place of black pigment.

• Clown (Recessive – Het Form): This snake carries one copy; when visual, it produces bold dorsal striping, unique head stamps, and reduced side patterning.

The Pastel Special DH Ultramel/Clown is both visually striking and genetically powerful, holding strong potential for producing Ultramel Clown combinations—highly desirable projects in the ball python hobby.