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Care sheet

Brazilian Rainbow Boa

Epicrates cenchria

Also known as: Rainbow Boa

Boidae · Squamata

IntermediateCITES IIIUCN LC
Activity
🌙 Nocturnal
Temperament
Docile
Adult length
48–72 in
Lifespan (captivity)
20–30 yrs
Native range
Amazon basin of South America — humid tropical lowland forest

Care guide

Overview

Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) — a stunning iridescent boa that demands consistently high humidity (75-90%) with good ventilation. Neonates can be nippy but most tame down with routine handling.

Environment

Climate

Cool side
75–80 °F
Warm side
80–84 °F
Basking spot
84–88 °F
Nighttime
72–78 °F
Humidity (ambient)
75–90%

Housing

Enclosure

Orientation
Terrestrial
Bioactive setup
Suitable
Minimum size by life stage
  • HatchlingNot specified
  • JuvenileNot specified
  • Adult4x2x2 ft for an adult; high humidity is critical

Housing

Substrate

Safe options
cypress mulchcoco husksphagnum mosstopsoil
Avoid
cedarpinearid bedding

Nutrition

Diet & feeding

Dietary type
Strict carnivore
Prey size by life stage
  • AdultRats / mice ~1-1.25x the snake's widest point
Feeding frequency by life stage
  • HatchlingEvery 5-7 days
  • JuvenileEvery 7-10 days
  • AdultEvery 10-14 days

Care

Water & behavior

Water

Large water bowl; mist as needed to hold 75-90% humidity.

Legal & ecology

Conservation

CITES
Appendix II
IUCN Red List
LC · Least Concern
Wild populations

CITES Appendix II (all Epicrates). Famous iridescent sheen; keepers must sustain high humidity without stagnant, wet conditions.

Genetics

Morphs

Morph market
Active
Complexity
Moderate

Citations

Sources

Every husbandry parameter on this page is backed by the references below. Click through to read the originals.

  1. Epicrates cenchria — species account

    Animal Diversity Web, U. Michigan

    academic

    Range, biology, humidity requirement.

    Published: 2020-01-01

  2. Epicrates cenchria — CITES Appendix II

    CITES

    government

    All Epicrates listed on CITES Appendix II.

    Published: 2019-01-01

  3. Brazilian Rainbow Boa Care Sheet

    ReptiFiles (Mariah Healey)

    breeder community

    Temps, 75-90% humidity, enclosure size, prey sizing, lifespan.

    Published: 2022-01-01

Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) care sheet — Herpetoverse