Blood Python (Matrix Poss Het T+)

Python brongersmai
Common Names: Blood Python, Brongersmai Python
(Matrix = co-dominant morph; T+ = Tyrosinase-Positive Albino, recessive morph; “Poss Het” = possible carrier of one copy of the gene, not visually expressed)

Species Overview

• Size: Adults average 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), with females typically heavier and bulkier. Exceptional animals can exceed 7 feet.

• Appearance:

  • Matrix (co-dominant – visual): A pattern morph that breaks up the standard blotches into fragmented, flame-like markings along the sides, giving the snake a diffused, irregular appearance.

  • T+ Albino (recessive – possible het): This snake may carry one copy of the T+ gene. When visual, T+ Albinos replace black pigment with caramel, golden, and chocolate tones, often paired with lighter eye colour. As a “poss het,” its status is uncertain until test-bred.

  • The Matrix Poss Het T+ combines a striking Matrix appearance with the potential to produce T+ Albino Matrix offspring if the het proves out.

• Distribution: Found across Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and nearby islands.

• Habitat: Occupies swamps, marshes, and humid forested lowlands, favouring dense ground cover and moisture-rich environments.

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

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults thrive in enclosures at least 4 ft × 2 ft × 1.5–2 ft, prioritizing floor space. Provide a snug hide, deep substrate for burrowing, and a large water bowl for soaking.

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

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: Captive-bred Matrix animals are generally hardy, food-motivated, and reliable, though they may be defensive if startled. With consistent husbandry, they adapt well to captivity.

• Special Considerations: A naturalistic, humid setup with deep, moisture-retentive substrate helps maintain hydration and allows for natural behaviours like burrowing.

Genetics Note

• Matrix (Co-Dominant – Visual): Produces broken and irregular side patterns with flame-like markings.

• Super Matrix (Homozygous): Produces the Ivory, a pale, reduced-pattern morph that serves as the base for many designer combos.

• T+ Albino (Recessive – Possible Het): This animal may carry one copy of the T+ gene. If proven, it can produce T+ Albino Matrix offspring, which feature the Matrix pattern in soft caramel and golden tones.

The Blood Python (Matrix Poss Het T+) is both a visually unique morph and a potentially valuable project animal, especially for breeders aiming to produce Matrix T+ Albinos or expand T+ Albino projects with complex combos.