CreatureData

Ball python vs Central African rock python

The central African rock python is heavier: 73 kg against 5.05 kg for the ball python, about 14 times the weight.

Ball python (Python regius)
Ball python NTNear Threatened
Photo: HCA ( talk ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Central African rock python (Python sebae)
Central African rock python NTNear Threatened
Photo: Adult_Female_Python_sebae.jpg : Tigerpython derivative work:… · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a ball python and a central African rock python?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The central African rock python is heavier: 73 kg against 5.05 kg for the ball python, about 14 times the weight.
  • The ball python is longer-lived: 47.5 years against 30 years for the central African rock python, about 58% longer.
  • Both belong to the genus Python, so they are close relatives.
  • Both are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Side by side

Ball pythonCentral African rock python
Scientific namePython regiusPython sebae
FamilyPythonidaePythonidae
OrderSquamataSquamata
Weight1.24 kg – 8.86 kg73 kg
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan47.4 years – 47.5 years27.3 years – 30 years
Main foodNot recordedimpala
Habitatforest, grassland, shrublandforest
Conservation statusNear ThreatenedNear Threatened
Countries recordedNot recordedNot recorded

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: Ball pythonFull record: Central African rock pythonCompare other animals