Discover the Top 15 Most Expensive Snakes in the World

Snakes are frightening to some people and fascinating to others. Some people are such big snake enthusiasts they would happily spend thousands of dollars to keep a rare snake species as a pet. Snakes are one of the most diverse and widely distributed animals worldwide, with over 3,000 different species spread to nearly every area of the globe except for Antarctica, Greenland, Ireland, Iceland, and New Zealand. Here are the top 15 most expensive snakes in the world right now!

1. Green Tree Python (Blue Morph) – $445,800

The green tree python is renowned as one of the most stunning snakes globally. Its vibrant green hue, adorned with delicate white patterns and a distinctive diamond-shaped head, adds to its allure. 

Measuring up to 5 feet in length and boasting a lifespan of 15 years, these reptiles captivate enthusiasts. While the biak and aru morphs are commonly found in the USA and priced between $350 and $900, there exists a much rarer high-blue morph that is the most expensive snake in the world.

Its rarity in the wild and striking coloration have further driven its value to extraordinary heights, with reports of a sale reaching an astounding equivalent of $445,800 US dollars.

2. Sunset Ball Python – $70,000

The sunset ball python stands out as one of the most coveted snakes, distinguished by its vibrant auburn red coloration. The intensity of this hue is most prominent at the head and gradually extends along the entire body, creating a captivating interplay of rusty and burnt orange shades.

With a maximum size of 6 feet and an impressive lifespan of 20 years, these pythons are truly remarkable. 

However, their genetic makeup poses a challenge in breeding, contributing to their high price tag. Brian Barczyk from BHB Reptiles deserves credit for introducing this morph, having acquired what is likely the only known specimen from Africa for an astonishing $70,000.

3. Reticulated Python – $50,000

Reticulated pythons are renowned for being one of the largest pet snake species and are also among the most expensive to acquire. 

These impressive snakes commonly reach lengths exceeding 16 feet, with some individuals growing up to an astonishing 28 feet. Their distinct coloration features a captivating diamond-shaped pattern that stretches along their back, resembling an intricate network. 

Reticulated pythons, known for their impressive size and longevity of up to 32 years, have held a reputation as some of the most expensive pets worldwide. In the past, their price tag ranged from $25,000 to $50,000, solidifying their status as highly coveted creatures. 

Today, specific morphs of reticulated pythons can still demand prices as high as $40,000. The factors influencing their price include their morph, color patterns, and size, while lineage also plays a significant role in determining their value.

4. Lavender Albino Ball Python – $40,000

The lavender albino ball python, ranking as the fourth most expensive snake globally, boasts an interesting color morph within the ball python family. 

The lavender albino displays a light color palette ranging from delicate lavender to soft pink as its base hue, complemented by vivid orange patterns adorning its body. This remarkable snake can be acquired for prices ranging from $300 to $6,000, depending on its individual characteristics.

With a length of up to 6 feet and a lifespan of approximately 20 years, these fascinating reptiles continue to captivate snake enthusiasts and collectors. Notably, the highest recorded price ever paid for a ball python reached an astonishing $40,000, emphasizing the allure and rarity of these creatures.

5. Paradox Ball Python – $30,000

Paradox ball python morphs are not traditional morphs that can be intentionally bred. Instead, they occur spontaneously and randomly through breeding. These extraordinary snakes have a lifespan of over 30 years and typically reach a size of around 6 feet.

What sets the paradox ball python apart is its unique feature of mismatched colors and markings that defy genetic expectations. The scientific reasons behind these occurrences remain unknown, contributing to their rarity and high demand among snake enthusiasts.

Due to their scarcity, paradox ball pythons are one of the most expensive snakes in the world. Snakes with small patches of different colors may be obtainable for under $1,000, but those with larger and seemingly impossible color patterns can sell for up to $30,000!

6. Stranger Ball Python – $29,000

The stranger ball python, a recent addition to the ball python family since late 2012, has quickly gained popularity and fetched high prices in the pet snake trade. 

These unique pythons feature a distinctive appearance, with their bodies adorned in striking burnt orange/chocolate “alien heads,” accompanied by captivating black “puzzle” patterns highlighted by intense blushing. In addition, with a maximum size of 6 feet and an impressive lifespan of 20 years, these snakes can fetch prices up to $29,000, particularly if they exhibit additional morph coloring. 

Adding to the expenses, most stranger ball pythons are bred outside the United States, potentially incurring substantial shipping costs alongside the already significant price of the snake itself.

7. Monsoon Ball Python – $20,000

Emerging from the breeding efforts of Dave Green Reptiles in Arizona, the monsoon ball python has swiftly ascended the ranks to become one of the most highly-priced snakes in the world. 

This unique morph earned its name “monsoon” due to its resemblance to raindrops on a window. Unlike the typical ball python appearance, with stripes of black, brown, and tan, the monsoon variant features hundreds of intricate speckles adorning its body, creating a striking and distinctive aesthetic. 

Measuring up to 6 feet in length and boasting a lifespan of 20 years, these captivating snakes can sell for astronomical prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. 

Their premium valuation is primarily attributed to the recessive gene responsible for their captivating coloration. Even ordinary ball pythons carrying this recessive gene can fetch thousands of dollars due to the rarity and difficulty in breeding them to produce this specific morph.

8. Palmetto Corn Snake – $20,000

Palmetto corn snakes are a rare morph of corn snakes, characterized by their white base color adorned with random colored scales scattered across their bodies. These striking snakes possess unique white or blue eyes with large black pupils, adding to their beauty. 

While they occur naturally in scarce numbers, they are gaining popularity among snake enthusiasts. With a size reaching up to 6 feet and a lifespan ranging from 6 to 23 years, these snakes have become sought-after in the snake-keeping hobby. 

Initially introduced in 2012, they were priced at $4,000 each. Today, their value has surged, with certain color variations commanding prices of up to $20,000, further contributing to their status as the eighth most expensive snake in the world.

9. Pied Ball Python – $17,000

Pied ball pythons encompass a diverse range of morphs featuring distinct body patterns and a prominent white patch. This patch can vary, either covering only a portion of the body or extending to encompass the entire body, excluding the head.

With a size potential of up to 5 feet and a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, these pythons are beloved pet snakes.

Through interbreeding with other ball python morphs, pied balls give rise to a wide spectrum of morph variations, which can fetch prices of $200 to $17,000.

Furthermore, the price of pied ball pythons is influenced by factors such as the length and combination of the white pattern, including variations like the pastel morphs, adding to the allure and uniqueness of these remarkable snakes. 

10. Zebra Pastel Ball Python – $15,000

Zebra pastel ball pythons exhibit a mesmerizing appearance with a bright yellow base color adorned by stripe-like patterns ranging from light to dark brown. This stunning combination makes them highly sought-after in the world of pet snakes.

They can grow up to 5 or 6 feet and live up to 30 years in captivity.

Priced between $11,000 and $15,000, the zebra pastel ball python earns its place as one of the most exquisite snakes on the morphs list of ball pythons. The recessive genes responsible for this alluring morph contribute to its premium pricing, adding to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. 

As the tenth most expensive snake globally, the zebra pastel ball python showcases the remarkable beauty and genetic rarity that captivates reptile lovers worldwide.

11. Scaleless Ball Python – $10,000

Scaleless ball pythons possess a unique genetic trait that results in the absence of scales. While some individuals may only exhibit scale on their heads or in certain patches, fully scaleless ball pythons are exceptionally rare and therefore carry a hefty price tag. The first snake of this morph was successfully bred in 2013 and reportedly sold for an astonishing $125,000.

With a lifespan of 30 years and reaching an adult size of 4 to 6 feet, scaleless ball pythons have captivated the snake hobbyist community. As the morph becomes slightly less scarce, prices have reduced to a range of $3,000 to $10,000, depending on additional morphs incorporated into the snake’s genetics. 

Scaleless ball pythons are controversial because the snake species have a number of issues. Because they do not have scales, they are more prone to cuts and bruises. They also have issues with mobility and require more heating in their enclosures.

When bred with other exotic varieties, scaleless ball pythons contribute to the creation of highly prized and valuable morphs in the world of snakes.

12. Leucistic Western Hognose Snake – $8,500

The leucistic western hognose snake is a remarkable snake that rivals ball python morphs in terms of uniqueness. 

Leucistic refers to snakes with striking white bodies and captivating black or blue eyes. With a size potential of up to 3 feet and a lifespan of 20 years in captivity, they are one of the rarest snakes on the market. 

These snakes stand out due to their lack of pigment, resulting in a beautiful pale white coloration. Due to their rarity, acquiring a leucistic western hognose snake can cost up to $8,500. Their exceptional appearance and scarcity contribute to their position as the tenth most expensive snake globally.

13. Albino Brazilian Rainbow Boas – $7,500

Like other albino species, the albino Brazilian rainbow boa is a rare snake with a white body and different designs and patterns on it. With a potential lifespan of up to 30 years and a length reaching 5 feet, they make impressive long-term companions.

Priced between $2,500 and $7,500 or more, albino Brazilian rainbow boas hold significant value in the reptile pet industry. Their desirability stems from their mesmerizing iridescent sheen and the intricate patterns that adorn their bodies. 

These characteristics make them stand out among other snakes, solidifying their place as one of the world’s most expensive species.

14. Black-Headed Python – $4,000

Black-headed pythons, native to Australia, boast a distinctive appearance. Their bodies showcase a captivating blend of cream, brown, and various other shades, while their heads stand out with a solid black coloration.

They can live up to 20 to 30 years and reach a size of 9 to 10 feet. Since breeding them in captivity proves challenging, they have higher price tags. Moreover, their rarity and elusiveness further contribute to their value. 

When seeking a black-headed python, one can expect a price range of $1,800 to $4,000. Acquiring these remarkable reptiles adds a touch of uniqueness to any collection, making them prized additions for snake enthusiasts.

15. Striped Ball Python – $4,000

The striped ball python takes its place among the most expensive snakes in the world thanks to its exquisite qualities achieved through selective captive breeding. This captivating serpent owes its distinct appearance to a genetic mutation influencing its color and pattern.

These stunning snakes have a  lifespan of 20 to 30 years and an adult size ranging from 3 to 5 feet.

True to its name, the striped ball python boasts a prominent dorsal line that extends the length of its body. The line’s continuity or breaks are determined by the snake’s genetic composition. Breeders often employ selective breeding techniques to enhance the line’s color and thickness, as well as other body patterns. 

These factors and the snake’s rarity influence its price. So, expect to find striped ball pythons priced within the range of $400 to $4,000. 

Summary of the Most Expensive Snakes in the World

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