Banana Ball Python

Looks how to spot one

scales

A stout, muscular constrictor with smooth scales. The Banana morph replaces the usual black with a striking silver-purple hue and the brown with bright banana yellow. As the snake ages, it develops black or brown speckling, like a ripe banana.23

Personality what they are like

Banana Ball Pythons are shy and mostly inactive. When stressed they coil into a tight ball rather than bite. With gentle, regular handling they become calm and tolerate being held, but they are naturally anti-social and prefer hiding. They are not an outgoing pet that seeks interaction.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity. They are crepuscular/nocturnal and spend most of their time hidden. They do not need exercise beyond exploring their enclosure at dusk and night.26

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Ensure humidity around 50-60% (higher during shedding) to support healthy sheds. Provide a water bowl large enough for soaking. Spot-clean the enclosure regularly.37

Home where they are happiest

A secure PVC or glass enclosure (40-60 gallons for an adult) with a temperature gradient: warm side 31-33°C (88-92°F), cool side 24-27°C (75-80°F). Humidity 50-60%, higher during shed. Provide at least two snug hides (one warm, one cool) and visual barriers. Use a thermostat-controlled heat source to prevent burns. This species is shy and needs plenty of cover.374

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents (rats for adults, mice for juveniles). Young snakes eat every 5-7 days, adults every 10-14 days. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.34

Company who they like around

Solitary. Never house two ball pythons together as they compete for hides and heat, and may injure each other. Handling should be gentle and infrequent to avoid stress. They are not venomous and are legal to keep as pets in most countries, but always check local regulations.32

The story where it all began

The Banana morph is a colour variety of the Ball Python (Python regius). It was first produced in captivity in 2003 by Amos Reptiles, from wild-caught imports. The morph replaces the normal black with a silver-purple colour and the brown with bright yellow, often with lavender tones. As the snake ages it develops dark speckling. The Banana gene was the first sex-linked mutation discovered in ball pythons and is inherited as an incomplete dominant trait. Early captive-bred animals sold for over $10,000 each, but prices have since dropped to $150-$400 for basic Bananas.2185

Recognised by the official bits

World of Ball Pythons

Listed as a basic morph with incomplete dominant genetics.1

MorphMarket Morphpedia

Recognised as one of the most well-known ball python morphs.8

Popularity Very high. One of the most popular ball python morphs in the pet trade.82