Have you ever wondered what makes the Mystic Ball Python so special? With its mesmerizing appearance and intriguing genetic makeup, the Mystic Ball Python is a favourite among reptile enthusiasts.
But what makes this snake stand out from other ball python morphs? How do you care for it, and what are some of its famous combinations?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about this fascinating snake, from its history to its care, and dive into why the Mystic Ball Python is one of the most sought-after morphs.
Mystic Ball Python Taxonomy & Genetics
History: They were first discovered in the early 2000s by reptile breeder Eric Davies. He noticed that this morph had a distinct pattern and colour variation that set it apart from others.
It quickly gained popularity due to its ability to produce stunning combinations when bred with other morphs, such as the Mystic Potion.
This python regius morph belongs to the Pythonidae family, the same as all other ball pythons. This snake is a recessive gene morph, meaning that two Mystic genes are required to create a Mystic ball python. When one Mystic gene is paired with another morph gene, it can create fascinating combinations like the Mystic Potion or Crystal Ball Python.
Mystic Ball Python Characteristics
Mystic Ball Python Appearance
The Mystic Royal Python stands out due to its beautiful pattern and unique colour palette. They have dark, almost black, scales mixed with golden-brown highlights.
Their unique colouration gives them a smoky, mysterious appearance, which is where their name comes from.
Body Shape: Like other ball pythons, they have a stocky, muscular body, which allows them to constrict their prey efficiently.
Coloured Scales: The scales are iridescent in certain lighting, making them look almost metallic.
Mystic Ball Python Eyes Color: Their eyes are typically dark brown or black, blending into their overall shadowy appearance.
Tail: Their tails are short and taper to a fine point.
Head Shape: Mystic Ball Pythons have the typical wedge-shaped head that is characteristic of all ball pythons.
Speed: While ball pythons are not known for their speed, they move with purpose when needed, especially during feeding.
Mystic Ball Python Habitat
In the wild, they come from the grasslands and forests of West Africa. They prefer warm, humid environments where they can hide and stay cool during the day.
These snakes often take shelter in burrows, under leaves, or in rock crevices to feel safe. In captivity, it’s important to recreate this natural habitat
Mystic Ball Python Size & Weight
On average, adult Mystic Ball Pythons reach lengths of 3 to 5 feet. They generally weigh between 2 to 5 pounds, depending on age and gender.
Temperament & Behavior
They are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them great pets, especially for beginners.
They are naturally shy and tend to hide during the day, preferring to come out at night when it’s quieter. Like ball ball Pythons, if they feel threatened, they will curl into a tight ball rather than being aggressive.
Most Mystic Pythons are easy to handle and rarely bite. With regular, gentle handling, they become quite comfortable with human interaction.
However, they may be a bit nervous if they’re in a new environment or being handled for the first time.
Mystic Ball Python Lifespan
In captivity, they can live for 20 to 30 years with proper care, sometimes even longer.
Mystic Ball Python Cost
The cost of a Mystic Python morph can vary depending on age and morph combination. Here’s a general price range:
Mystic Ball Python Breeding & Reproduction
They are popular in breeding projects because of their ability to create unique morphs. They typically reach sexual maturity between 2 to 3 years of age.
Females can lay 4 to 8 eggs per clutch, and the eggs require an incubation period of about 55 to 60 days at a temperature of around 88°F (31°C).
Breeding Mystic Ball Pythons with other morphs often results in spectacular combinations.
Famous Mystic Ball Python Morph Combinations
Mystic Ball Python Care Sheet
Owning a Mystic Ball Python requires proper care to ensure the snake stays healthy and happy. Here’s a comprehensive care sheet to help guide you:
Enclosure Requirements
A 40-gallon tank is usually sufficient for an adult Mystic Ball Python. Provide plenty of space for your snake to move around, with hiding spots to help them feel safe.
Climbing Structures
While ball pythons are not arboreal, providing branches or ledges allows them to climb and explore, enriching their environment.
Temperature & Heating
Maintain a temperature gradient in the enclosure, with a warm side around 88°F to 92°F and a cool side around 75°F to 80°F. Use a heat lamp or heating pad to regulate temperatures, and ensure you monitor it with a thermostat.
Lighting
These Pythons do not require special UVB lighting, but providing a day-night cycle helps with their natural rhythms. A simple light source on a 12-hour timer works well.
Humidity
Keep the humidity levels between 50% and 60% to ensure proper shedding. A misting system or occasional misting with water can help maintain the correct humidity.
Mystic Ball Python Diet & Feeding
They typically eat small to medium-sized rodents. Hatchlings should be fed appropriately sized mice, while adults can consume rats. Feed juveniles once a week and adults once every 10 to 14 days.
Handling
They are docile and easy to handle. Always approach your snake gently and avoid handling them right after feeding or when they are shedding. With regular handling, they become comfortable with human interaction.
Shedding
They shed their skin periodically. Ensure that humidity is kept at the right level during shedding to prevent issues like stuck sheds. You can also provide a humid hide to aid in the process.
Common Issues & Their Cures
- Respiratory Infections
Symptoms:
- Wheezing or clicking sounds when breathing
- Mucus around the nostrils or mouth
- Lethargy
Causes: Respiratory infections often occur when the snake’s enclosure is too cold or has improper humidity levels.
Cure:
- Increase the temperature in the enclosure, making sure the warm side stays around 88°F to 92°F.
- Boost humidity slightly if it’s too low, but don’t make it too high, as it could worsen the problem.
- If symptoms persist, take your snake to a reptile veterinarian for antibiotics.
2. Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis)
Symptoms:
- Swollen or discolored gums
- Pus or mucus in the mouth
- Refusal to eat
Causes: Mouth rot is a bacterial infection caused by poor enclosure hygiene or injury to the mouth.
Cure:
- Clean the snake’s mouth gently with a diluted antiseptic solution (like betadine).
- Keep the enclosure clean and free of bacteria by regularly cleaning it.
- Consult a vet for antibiotics if the infection is severe.
3. Parasites (Mites and Internal Parasites)
Symptoms:
- Frequent soaking in water
- Black or red specks (mites) on the skin
- Loss of appetite or weight
Causes: Mites or internal parasites can enter the enclosure through poor hygiene or contact with infected animals.
Cure:
- For mites, bathe the snake in warm water to remove visible mites.
- Use reptile-safe mite spray on both the snake and the enclosure to get rid of the infestation.
- For internal parasites, take the snake to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment (usually a deworming medication).
4. Shedding Problems (Dysecdysis)
Symptoms:
- Patches of unshed skin, particularly around the eyes
- Dry, flaky skin
Causes: Improper humidity levels are the most common cause of shedding issues.
Cure:
- Increase the enclosure’s humidity to around 60%.
- Provide a humid hide (a box with damp moss) to help your snake shed properly.
- If unshed skin persists, gently soak the snake in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes and try to remove the skin with a damp cloth.
5. Obesity
Symptoms:
- The snake becomes overly thick or rounded
- Decreased activity
Causes: Overfeeding or lack of exercise.
Cure:
- Feed appropriately sized meals, usually once every 7 to 10 days for adults.
- Ensure the snake has enough room to move around in its enclosure.
6. Scale Rot
Symptoms:
- Red, inflamed, or discoloured scales
- Open sores or blisters on the belly
Causes: Constantly damp or dirty bedding can lead to bacterial infections, which cause scale rot.
Cure:
- Keep the enclosure clean and dry.
- Use a reptile-safe disinfectant on the affected area.
- Visit a vet if the infection is severe or doesn’t improve.
By regularly checking your Mystic Ball Python’s health and maintaining a clean, well-regulated enclosure, most of these issues can be prevented or treated easily.
Always consult a reptile veterinarian if you notice any persistent problems!
Conclusion
The Mystic Ball Python is a stunning and versatile snake that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced keepers. With its beautiful look and exciting breeding options, this morph is a great addition to any collection.
