Blood Python (Golden Eye Poss Het T+/T- Albino)

Python brongersmai
Common Names: Blood Python, Brongersmai Python
(Golden Eye = dominant morph; T+ = Tyrosinase-Positive Albino, recessive morph; T- = Tyrosinase-Negative Albino, recessive morph; “Poss Het” = may carry one copy of the albino gene, not visually expressed)

Species Overview

• Size: Adults generally reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with females being the larger, heavier-bodied sex. Some rare individuals may surpass 7 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Golden Eye (dominant – visual): Easily recognized for its metallic golden wash, speckling, and shimmering tones that overlay the base pattern. Even a single copy gives noticeable visual change.

  • T+ Albino (recessive – possible het): Produces caramel, golden, and chocolate tones when visual, instead of black.

  • T- Albino (recessive – possible het): Produces high-contrast whites, yellows, and oranges when visual, removing melanin entirely.

  • This snake is visually a Golden Eye but has the possibility of carrying one copy of either or both albino genes, which cannot be confirmed without breeding.

• Distribution: Found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and surrounding islands.

• Habitat: Prefers humid swamps, lowland forests, and marshlands, often near water sources with thick ground cover.

• Behaviour: A terrestrial ambush predator, relying on camouflage and strength to capture rodents and birds.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults thrive in enclosures of 4 ft × 2 ft × 1.5–2 ft, with emphasis on floor space. Provide a snug hide, deep humidity-retentive substrate, and a large water dish for soaking.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a basking area at 86–88°F (30–31°C) with a cooler side of 78–80°F (25–27°C). Humidity should remain around 60–70%, with spikes to 80% during shedding.

• Diet: Juveniles should be offered hopper rats or similar prey every 5–7 days. Adults thrive on medium to large rats every 10–14 days. Overfeeding should be avoided, as Blood Pythons are prone to obesity.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Captive-bred Golden Eyes are typically hardy and adaptable, though they may be defensive when startled and are often food-motivated. With proper handling and husbandry, they usually become predictable and steady captives.

• Special Considerations: Blood Pythons do best in naturalistic, humid enclosures with deep substrate for burrowing and stability.

Genetics Note

• Golden Eye (Dominant – Visual): Produces a golden metallic sheen with brightening speckling. Always visible when present.

• T+ Albino (Recessive – Possible Het): When visual, produces rich caramel/golden tones with reduced black.

• T- Albino (Recessive – Possible Het): When visual, produces bright whites, yellows, and oranges with no melanin.

• Golden Eye Poss Het T+/T- Albino: This snake is visually a Golden Eye, but it may secretly carry one copy of either T+ or T- Albino. Breeding trials are required to determine its genetic potential.

The Blood Python (Golden Eye Poss Het T+/T- Albino) is both visually striking in its Golden Eye expression and valuable as a breeder, holding the possibility of producing either T+ or T- Albino Golden Eye offspring if its hets prove out.