Ball Python Colors: What Colors Do Ball Pythons Come in?
- Molly Weinfurter
- Sep 8, 2025
- 6 min read
Ball pythons are one of the most common pet snakes. One of the main reasons is because, in terms of appearance, they’re extremely versatile. While wild ball pythons need dark colors to camouflage, the ones on captivity can come in nearly any color pattern imaginable. So, what are some of the most common ball python colors, and how should you decide which color to seek out in a pet snake?
Are Ball Pythons Good Pets?
While pet snakes aren’t as affectionate as cats and dogs, ball pythons are one of the best snake species for captivity. While they’re large snakes (3 to 6 feet long), they’re surprisingly docile and low maintenance compared to other reptiles.
The set up for ball pythons requires at least 40 gallons of space that’s warm year-round. Once you have a suitable environment set up for the snake, daily care is manageable for most people. They primarily eat mice, so you can’t be squeamish if you have one of these snakes. These snakes need to eat anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on the snake’s size and the size of the food. Their enclosure also needs to be cleaned weekly.
If you have the time, money, and space for a ball python, they can be a great pet. Just make sure you research their care requirements thoroughly before getting one of these animals.
Are Pet Ball Pythons Dangerous?
Ball pythons are docile and non-venomous, so they’re not usually considered dangerous. However, they still have sharp teeth and can deliver a painful bite, so there’s always a risk when handling them. To avoid getting hurt by these snakes, give them space and don’t force them to interact with you if they don’t want to. It may take some time for a new pet snake to warm up to their owner, so be patient.
Ball pythons are constrictors that suffocate their prey to kill it before eating it. However, these snakes aren't large enough to constrict humans, so there’s no need to worry about that risk. Even if they wrap around a person’s throat, they can easily be removed without causing harm.
What is the “Normal” Ball Python Color?
There are so many different ball python colors for pets, but there are still wild ball pythons in sub-Saharan Africa. Those snakes don’t come in a rainbow of colors like the pets do. Instead, their natural coloring is brown with a black or dark brown pattern. While pet ball pythons can still come in this color, many people prefer the unique color morphs that only exist in captivity.
How Many Ball Python Color Morphs are There?
There are over 7,000 ball python morphs out there. This includes different variations of popular ball python colors and extremely rare color morphs. In 1990, ball pythons started coming in a few different colors, such as albino, piebald, and striped. From there, snake breeders found ways to produce a wider variety of unique colors for these snakes.
How Do Ball Pythons Come in So Many Colors?
Ball python morphs came from natural genetic mutations and selective breeding. Breeders combine certain genes to create different color morphs in these reptiles.
For most of them, it only affects the snake’s appearance, but there are a few color morphs that could also affect the snake’s health. So, when choosing a ball python, make sure you’re supporting breeders that focus on healthy snakes, not just appearance.
14 Different Ball Python Colors
Curious about the different ball python colors? Below are some of the popular options, along with what you can expect them to look like. Again, make sure you thoroughly do your research before choosing a morph since there are a few morphs that cause health problems in snakes.
1. Normal
“Normal” is the term used to describe the color that wild ball pythons typically are These snakes have brown or tan skin with dark brown or black lines. Even though this is the most common color, it’s still a beautiful pattern, so don’t overlook normal ball pythons.
2. Albino
Albino animals experience a lack of pigment, which usually involves pale skin and pink or violet eyes. Albino ball pythons are no different. Their coloring is very light (usually white and pale yellow) with red/pink eyes. While they can occur naturally in the wild, their chances of survival are low since it’s difficult for them to camouflage.
3. Banana
Like albino pythons, banana ball pythons have white and yellow scales. However, the yellow on a banana python is much brighter than an albino one, making these snakes resemble ripe bananas.
4. Pastel
While wild ball pythons have brown and black patterns, pastels usually appear more yellow than brown. They have genes that amplify the yellow pigment, making their appearance more fun and bright since they don’t need to camouflage as well as wild snakes.
5. Piebald
Piebald refers to any ball python that has patches of white in their coloring. This can occur with several morph colors, such as a banana piebald or a normal piebald. These snakes have a unique contrast between their intricate patterns and completely white scales.
6. Axanthic
Axanthic pythons look like they’re in a black and white film. They lack vibrant pigments like yellow and red, causing their patterns to look black and gray instead. The coloring can make the snakes feel a bit spooky.
7. Yellow Belly
These snakes have a strong yellow tint to them like banana and pastel ball pythons do. However, as the name implies, they have a lighter colored belly that’s primarily yellow without any dark markings.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon ball pythons have darker stripes paired with a reddish-brown color that’s often compared to chocolate. Their pattern stands out from other morphs because the lighter parts make a “keyhole” pattern that sometimes looks like hearts.
9. Clown
Clown ball pythons have a very unusual pattern. They have one thick stripe on their backs paired with small spots on the side. People refer to the spots as “clown’s tears,” which is how this morph got its unique name. The pattern on clown ball pythons can come in a wide range of colors.
10. Mojave
Mojave ball pythons are similar to cinnamons because they also have a keyhole pattern. Yet, Mojave snakes are lighter with their scales being yellow-ish instead of a deep brown. This morph was first discovered and bred in the Mojave desert, hence the name.
11. Ghost
Ghost ball pythons are also known as “Hypo” or “Hypomelanistic,” which means “reduced melanin.” The dark pigmentation in these snakes becomes lighter, giving them a ghostly appearance. They can be white, yellow, green, brown, or gray.
12. Pinstripe
Pinstripe ball pythons have a bizarre pattern that features thin dark lines rather than thick lines and spots. They’re usually golden or light brown with their backs being lighter than the rest of their base color.
13. Champagne
The pattern on champagne ball pythons is very washed away. They’re usually light brown or tan with minimal dark markings. Breeding this morph is often considered unethical because the gene can lead to a neurological disorder that causes the snake to wobble. Thus, it’s best to avoid supporting a breeder producing this color.
14. Spider
Spider ball pythons have a unique web-like pattern across their scales, which is usually paired with tan, brown, or golden scales. Like champagne snakes, this morph is unethical because it's linked to the same wobbling condition. So, please avoid this color pattern as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ball Python Color Morphs Ethical?
Most ball python morphs are ethical, only changing the snake’s appearance. However, there are few that can cause health complications, such as spider and champagne, which are linked to a neurological disorder. Before buying a ball python morph, make sure it’s a healthy one.
How Much Does a Ball Python Cost?
Ball pythons typically cost $50 to $400, but the price can range based on the color and age. However, that is only the price for purchasing the snake. The setup for the snake can cost hundreds of dollars, and you need to pay for food regularly. Make sure you can afford all these aspects before getting a snake.
How Long Do Ball Pythons Live?
In the wild, ball pythons usually only live about 10 years. However, pet ball pythons typically live 20 to 30 years with proper care. So, they’re a very long-term commitment.
What Ball Python Morph Should I Get?
You should get the ball python that you think looks the best, as long as the morph isn’t linked to health concerns. Yet, some ball python morphs are much more expensive than others, so keep your budget in mind when choosing a pet.
Can Ball Pythons See Colors?
Yes, ball pythons can see colors. Experts believe that they can see blue and green well but not red. Their eyes are designed for detecting movement, not color.
Choosing Beautiful Ball Python Colors
There are many amazing ball python colorations to choose from. However, if you’re interested in one of these snakes as a pet, make sure you consider more than just appearance. Snakes can be a big responsibility, especially since they need a large setup. Before choosing the ball python morph you find the most aesthetically-pleasing, make sure you thoroughly research how to care for this species.
Also, not all morphs are ethical. While most of the ball python colors change nothing besides appearance, there are a few, like spider and champagne, that can lead to health concerns. An animal’s well-being shouldn’t be sacrificed for appearance, so please don’t support breeders producing unhealthy morphs.
