Centralian carpet python

Morelia spilota bredli

Centralian carpet pythons, or 'Bredl's' pythons are among the most popular medium-sized pythons - for some good reasons. Named after the late-great herpetologist Joe 'Rocky' Bredl, this is a spectacular python with a bright red background colour, intruding cream patterning, surrounded by varying amounts of black pigment. Individuals with greatly reduced black pigment are referred to as being hypomelanistic - or 'hypo'. The Snake Ranch 'hypo' line is particularly stunning.  Tastes vary, but it's hard to imagine a Bredl's python that is anything short of drop-dead gorgeous.

In addition to having good looks, Bredl's pythons are usually very well-mannered in captivity and very easy to keep. In fact, they come pretty close to being the ideal choice for either the novice or the collector. Hatchlings can be a little touchy and deliver the odd defensive nip, perhaps reflecting the need for a quick defense against so many predators in the Central Australia gorges where this subspecies occurs naturally. With time comes confidence, and it is a rare Bredl's python that isn't settled in happily by the time it is one year old.
 

a three month old 'classic' Bredl's python

an eight month old 'classic' Bredl's python

eight months old 'hypo' Bredl's python