Coral Snow Corn Snake: Cost, Care Guide, Genetics & Unique Morph Facts

Marie curie

corn snakes
baby coral snow corn snake

Can you imagine a snake that combines the beauty of coral reefs with the elegance of snow?

The Coral Snow Corn Snake does exactly that, with stunning shades of pink and white that set it apart from other morphs.

What makes this morph so special, and why is it such a sought-after pet for collectors? Let’s find out!

Coral Snow Corn Snake History & Genetics

The Coral Snow Corn Snake is a beautiful mix of three special genes: Amelanistic, Anerythristic, and Hypomelanistic.

This morph started when breeders wanted to create a snake with soft, bright colours.

The Amelanistic gene takes away all the black, while the Anerythristic gene removes the reds, leaving lovely pastel shades behind.

coral snow corn snake

Adding the Hypo gene makes the colours even lighter and softer, creating those stunning pink and coral hues.

Over the years, breeders have worked hard to perfect this combination, resulting in a snake that looks like a living piece of art, enchanting anyone who sees it.

Coral Snow Corn Snake Traits

Appearance

  • Body Color: Coral Snow Corn Snakes are known for their light pink, coral, and lavender hues. These colours become more vibrant as they mature, giving them a stunning, pastel-like appearance.
  • Shape: They have a long, slender body with smooth scales, typical of Corn Snakes, with the coral colouration providing a unique and soft look.
  • Eyes & Belly: Their eyes are typically pink or light red, which complements their coral tones. The belly is usually a mix of white and light pink with a faint checkerboard pattern.
  • Head Shape and Tail: The head is slightly broader than the neck, giving it a distinct yet gentle appearance. The tail tapers smoothly to a point.
  • Speed: These Corn Snakes are active explorers, with moderate speed. They enjoy climbing and burrowing but aren’t particularly fast-moving.

Coral Snow Corn Snake Size & Weight

  • Size: Coral Snow Corn Snakes grow between 3-5 feet in length.
  • Weight: They typically weigh around 400-700 grams as adults.

Behaviour and Temperament

  • They are very docile, making them a perfect choice for first-time snake owners. These Corn Snakes are curious and friendly, enjoying gentle handling and interaction.

Lifespan

  • They can live for around 15-20 years when cared for properly, offering a long-lasting and rewarding companionship.

Coral Snow Corn Snake Cost

  • Adults: Coral Snow Corn Snakes are priced between $200-$300.
  • Hatchlings: Hatchlings generally cost around $150-$200.
  • Julien (yearlings): Yearlings are available for $170-$220.

Best Place to Buy:

  • For Coral Snow Corn Snakes, it’s crucial to look for trustworthy breeders who have a good reputation for caring for their snakes.
  • You can also find these snakes at reptile expos where you can see the snake before buying.
  • Online options such as MorphMarket or Underground Reptiles are also popular places, as they have a large variety of morphs and often ensure high standards of health.

Coral Snow Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction

Select Healthy Breeders

  • Choose a healthy male and female, at least 3 years old and weighing around 300 grams.

Brumation Period

  • Cool the snakes to 50-60°F (10-15°C) for 2-3 months to simulate winter conditions and trigger breeding readiness.

Introduce the Pair

  • Warm the snakes back to normal temperatures, then place the male and female together for mating. Mating may last from minutes to hours.

Gravid Female Care

  • Feed the gravid female well but avoid overfeeding. Provide a lay box for egg-laying.

Egg Laying and Incubation

  • The female lays 10-20 eggs after 30-45 days. Incubate at 82-85°F (28-29°C) with high humidity.

Hatching

  • Eggs hatch in 60-65 days. Hatchlings will be 10-12 inches long and ready to feed after their first shed.

Coral Snow Corn Snake Care Sheet

1. Enclosure Setup

  • Size of the Tank: A Coral Snow Corn Snake needs a well-sized enclosure for comfort. Hatchlings can be housed in a 10-gallon tank, while juveniles do well in a 20-gallon tank.
  • For adults, a 40-gallon tank or larger is recommended, especially one with more length than height to give them plenty of space to move around.
  • Substrate: Good substrate options for Coral Snow Corn Snakes include aspen shavings, coconut husk, or reptile-safe sand.
  • Hides: It is important to provide at least two hiding spots in the enclosure—one on the warm side and one on the cool side.
  • This gives your snake a sense of security, which is essential for reducing stress.
  • Climbing: Corn Snakes like to explore and climb, so adding branches, logs, or other reptile-safe decorations can provide enrichment and stimulate natural behaviours.
  • Lighting: Coral Snow Corn Snake morphs do not require UVB lighting, but they do benefit from a natural day/night cycle.
  • Keep the enclosure on a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark schedule to simulate their natural environment.
  • Temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature gradient is crucial.
  • The warm side of the enclosure should be kept at 85-90°F (29-32°C), while the cool side should remain around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
  • Additionally, a basking spot with a temperature of around 88-90°F (31-32°C) should be provided.
  • Humidity: They thrive in moderate humidity levels of 40-50%. During shedding, it’s a good idea to increase the humidity slightly, up to 60%.
  • A hygrometer can help you monitor and maintain the proper humidity level.

2. Coral Snow Feeding

  • Diet: They primarily eat appropriately sized mice. For hatchlings, pinky mice are ideal, while juveniles and adults can be fed larger mice.
  • It is generally safer to feed frozen-thawed prey rather than live, as live prey can harm your snake.
  • Feeding Schedule: Hatchlings should be fed every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults every 10-14 days, depending on their size and appetite.
  • Supplements:
    These snakes do not require any additional supplements if they are fed whole prey. They get all the necessary nutrients from their diet of mice.

3. Water

  • Water Bowl: Provide a sturdy, shallow water bowl that is large enough for your Coral Snow Corn Snake to both drink from and soak in. Place the water bowl on the cool side of the enclosure to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly.
  • Hydration: Fresh water should be provided daily to ensure your snake stays hydrated. Make sure to clean and refill the water bowl regularly, especially if your snake defecates in the water.

4. Handling

  • Handling Frequency: They are generally easy to handle and can be handled a few times a week. Limit each handling session to around 10-15 minutes to avoid causing stress.
  • Handling During Shedding: Avoid handling your Coral Snow Corn Snake when it is about to shed, as they can become more sensitive and irritable during this time.

5. Shedding

  • Shedding Process: They shed their skin regularly, with younger snakes shedding more frequently than adults.
  • Signs that your snake is about to shed include dull skin and blue or cloudy eyes.
  • Humidity Needs During Shedding: Increase the enclosure’s humidity to around 60% during the shedding process to help the old skin come off easily. You can lightly mist the enclosure or add a moist hide.
  • Problems with Shedding: If your Snake has difficulty shedding, particularly around the eyes or tail, a soak in lukewarm water for about 10-15 minutes or providing a moist hide can help loosen the retained skin.

6. Health & Common Issues

  • Common Health Issues: Keep an eye out for signs of respiratory infections (such as wheezing, mouth gaping, or excess mucus), as well as mites or scale rot.
  • Respiratory infections can occur due to improper temperature or humidity, while scale rot is typically caused by damp or dirty conditions.
  • Parasites: Parasites, both internal (such as worms) and external (such as mites), can affect your Coral Snow Corn Snake. Regular cleaning and monitoring will help prevent these problems.
  • Preventative Care: Keeping your snake’s enclosure clean, maintaining the proper temperature and humidity, and monitoring their behaviour will help keep them healthy. Any changes in appetite, behaviour, or shedding patterns should be addressed promptly.
  • Veterinary Care: If you notice any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or laboured breathing, consult a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.

7. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Tank Cleaning: Spot cleans the enclosure daily by removing any waste, uneaten food, or soiled substrate to keep the environment clean and sanitary.
  • Spot Cleaning: Spot cleaning should be done regularly, focusing on the areas where your snake defecates or sheds to prevent bacterial growth and keep the enclosure hygienic.
  • Full Clean: A deep cleaning of the enclosure should be done every 4-6 weeks.

Conclusion

The Coral Snow Corn Snake is a stunning blend of vibrant pinks and whites, making it a favorite among snake enthusiasts.

Its unique coloration, combined with its easygoing nature, makes it an excellent choice for beginners and collectors alike.

If you’re looking for a truly beautiful morph, the Coral Snow will surely impress.

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