The banana ball python is popular with reptile enthusiasts due to their docile nature and manageable size.
One of the unique variations of this species is the banana python. Its vibrant yellow coloration and distinctive pattern make it a highly sought-after pet among reptile enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes this species so special and what it takes to care for one properly.
What is a Banana Ball Python?
This python is a color morph of the ball python species.
Bright Yellow Color
This variation features a bright yellow coloration that ranges from pale buttery tones to rich golden hues. Its pattern is distinct.
Thus it helps to feature blotches of brown or black that are typically smaller and more densely spaced than those found on other ball python morphs.
Appearance
The ball python’s unique appearance is due to a genetic mutation that affects melanin production. It is a pigment responsible for dark coloration in reptiles.
This mutation is known as the “banana gene.” Besides, this gene is recessive, requiring both parents to carry the gene for offspring to exhibit the trait.
Origin and Genetics
The ball python is a product of selective breeding. This morph originated from the West African ball python. Besides, it is native to regions in West Africa such as:
- Ghana
- Togo
- Benin
The banana morph combines two recessive genes, the pastel gene and the spider gene. When these two genes are combined, they create the bright yellow color of the Banana Ball Python.
Physical Features
The ball python’s unique bright yellow color sets it apart from other ball python morphs.
Scales
Its scales are smooth and shiny.
Body
It has a slender body and is typically 3 to 4 feet long when fully grown.
Eyes
This python species has eyes that are a light gray-blue color, and its tongue is black. It has a small head and a triangular-shaped body.
It allows it to move easily through narrow spaces. The banana ball python is a constrictor snake. It means it squeezes its prey until it can no longer breathe, then swallows it whole.
Caring for a Banana Ball Python
Like all ball pythons, this python is a relatively easy species to care for. However, a few specific considerations exist when caring for this unique morph.
Enclosure
The enclosure for a ball python should be large enough for the snake to move around freely. A 20-gallon tank is recommended for a young snake.
However, an adult may require a 40-gallon tank.
Heating
The species requires a warm environment to thrive. Besides, the enclosure should have a temperature gradient. It has a warm side ranging from 88 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit and a cool side ranging from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can achieve this using a heat lamp or an under-tank heating pad.
Lighting
The banana ball python is primarily a nocturnal animal, so it doesn’t require UVB lighting.
Banana Ball Python Facts
Here are some interesting facts about this unique snake:
- The banana ball python gets its name from its bright yellow coloration. It resembles the fruit of a banana.
- The banana morph is a co-dominant genetic trait. It means that breeding two banana ball pythons together will produce offspring that are 25% normal, 50% banana, and 25% super banana (a more intense version of the banana morph).
- These pythons are typically bred in captivity and have become increasingly popular in the reptile pet trade in recent years.
- The banana morph is sometimes called the coral glow morph due to its bright and vibrant appearance.
In addition to their unique coloration, these pythons are known for their gentle disposition and are generally considered good pets for beginners.
In addition, these pythons are native to West and Central Africa. Here they live in forests and grasslands.
Constrictors
Like all ball pythons, these species are constrictors. It means they use their strong muscles to squeeze and suffocate their prey before swallowing it whole.
Grow
They can grow up to four or five feet in length. Besides, these snakes typically live for 20 to 30 years in captivity if properly cared for.
Some breeders have developed additional morphs by crossing banana ball pythons with other morphs. Thus resulting in unique and striking colorations.
As with all pets, it’s important to research and understand a banana ball python’s needs and care requirements before bringing one home as a pet.
