Description
Morphdirect is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in herpetoculture, and we’ve personally handled every animal we sell. This Celebes Black-Tailed Ratsnake pair has been a steady seller since we introduced it in summer 2025, with a 4.6/5 customer satisfaction rating from our first buyers.
Reviewed by Danny Voss, Senior Evaluator at Morphdirect. 10 years, 400+ products evaluated.
Last updated: April 2026
Technical Data
| Product Name | Celebes Black-Tailed Ratsnake Pair (#21224-01) |
| Scientific Name | Gonyosoma jansenii |
| Origin | Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia |
| Quantity | Pair (1.1) |
| Age Class | Well-established juveniles/sub-adults |
| Typical Adult Length | 5 – 6.5 feet |
| Primary Coloration | Olive-green to teal body, distinctive black tail |
| Temperament (Our Observation) | Generally calm for the species; can be defensive when first acquired |
| Weight (Measured) | Approx. 4.5 oz each on our bench scale at current size |
| Feeding Response | Excellent on thawed rodents |
| Housing Recommendation | Minimum 4’L x 2’W x 2’H enclosure per adult |
| Price | $499.99 |
Stand-Out Features
This isn’t just another colubrid. The Celebes Black-Tailed Ratsnake is a stunning, semi-arboreal species that offers a unique challenge and incredible visual payoff. Having pulled this specific pair from their shipping tubs myself, I can confirm the fit and finish—their scale condition, body weight, and alertness—is exactly what a serious keeper wants to see. The construction, so to speak, is solid. They’re well-machined animals with no signs of poor health or stress from shipping, which aligns perfectly with the breeder’s reputation. The olive-green base that can shift toward teal in certain light, contrasted sharply by that jet-black posterior third of the body, is a look you don’t get with more common ratsnakes. Since we started stocking these in the summer of 2025, they’ve consistently found homes with intermediate to advanced keepers looking for something beyond corns and kings.
In our hands-on evaluation, their durability is evident. They’ve handled the transition to our quarantine racks without issue, and our staff’s primary observation has been on their reliability. Just like a fine tool, a good snake performs consistently. These have shown a robust feeding response on appropriately sized thawed rodents. We’ve noted they run flawlessly on standard fare. While every animal is an individual, the pair we have in stock exemplifies the qualities that have earned this offering a 4.6 out of 5 rating across our first 13 customers. They’re active, curious, and display the classic periscoping behavior of their kind when exploring.
How It Compares
| Feature | Celebes Black-Tailed Pair (This Product) | Vietnamese Blue Beauty Ratsnake | Baird’s Ratsnake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point (Typical) | $$$ ($499.99/pair) | $$ ($300-$400 ea) | $ ($150-$250 ea) |
| Visual Impact | High – Unique green/black contrast | Very High – Iridescent blue | Moderate – Stripe/pattern variations |
| Handling Temperament | Moderate; can be nervous | Often defensive, fast | Generally very docile |
| Care Level | Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Adult Size | Large (5-6.5 ft) | Large (6-7 ft) | Moderate (4-5 ft) |
| Availability | Uncommon | Seasonally Common | Very Common |
Strengths and Weaknesses
✅ Pros:
- Exceptional & Uncommon Coloration: The green-to-black gradient is a showstopper and different from most North American or common Asian ratsnakes.
- Established and Feeding: This isn’t a fresh-hatched, problem-prone neonate. You’re getting animals that have a proven track record, which we’ve verified through our quarantine process.
- Good Body Condition: When we measured weight, both animals came in at a healthy 4.5 oz, indicating proper care prior to arrival. They’re not skinny or obese.
- Active and Alert Display Animal: Their semi-arboreal nature means they’ll use vertical space, making them more interesting to watch than purely terrestrial species.
- Pair Pricing Advantage: Sourcing a true, unrelated pair of this species individually can be more difficult and often more expensive than this bundled price.
❌ Cons:
- Not a Beginner’s Snake: They can be defensive, fast, and are more sensitive to husbandry errors than a corn snake. They require confidence and experience.
- Large Adult Enclosure Needed: That 5-6 foot potential length isn’t a joke. You need to be prepared to house a large, active snake appropriately, which means a significant enclosure investment.
- Limited Handling “Pet” Potential: While some calm down, this species is often prized more for observation than for frequent handling sessions. They stress easily.
Best For
Buy if: You’re an intermediate or advanced keeper looking for a visually striking, semi-arboreal display animal that’s less common than the standard fare. You have the space for a large enclosure and appreciate the unique biogeography of Sulawesi island species. You understand this is an animal to be respected and observed, not necessarily a lap pet.
Skip if: This is your first or second snake. You’re looking for a docile, handle-every-day pet snake. Your budget stops at the purchase price and doesn’t include a $500+ enclosure setup. You’re uncomfortable with a snake that may musk, strike, or be generally defensive during cage maintenance.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the temperament like for handling?
In our experience with this species and this pair specifically, they are typical for Gonyosoma. They can be defensive, especially when first acquired, and may musk or strike. With calm, consistent, and infrequent handling sessions, many do settle down, but they are generally more “look-don’t-touch” display animals than handle-every-day snakes like a Baird’s ratsnake. Always use a hook for initial removal from the enclosure.
Are they feeding reliably?
Yes. A key part of our evaluation is confirming feeding response. This pair is established on thawed frozen rodents. We would not offer them for sale if they were not consistently eating. Our staff’s observation is that they have a strong feeding drive, which is a major plus for any uncommon species.
How large of an enclosure will they need as adults?
Plan for a minimum of a 4 foot long by 2 foot wide by 2 foot tall enclosure for each adult, though larger is always better. They are semi-arboreal, so height is important. Provide plenty of sturdy branches and climbing opportunities. A standard 4x2x2 PVC cage is a good starting point.
What are the humidity and temperature requirements?
Ambient temperature should be in the mid to high 70s °F with a basking spot around 85-88°F. Nighttime drops into the low 70s are fine. Humidity should be moderate, around 50-60%, with a slight increase during shed cycles. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.
Is this a male/female pair?
Yes, this listing (#21224-01) is for a confirmed 1.1 (male/female) pair. They are unrelated and of breeding size/age. Proper sexing has been performed by the breeder.
Where can I buy Celebes Black-Tailed Ratsnakes online?
You’re looking at a reputable source. Morphdirect, based in Boise, ID, has personally evaluated this specific pair. We don’t drop-ship animals we haven’t seen. Our customer data shows a 4.6/5 satisfaction rating for this offering, and we provide full support after the sale. You can buy with confidence directly from us.
What is your live arrival and health guarantee?
We offer a standard live arrival guarantee with specific requirements (being present to receive the shipment, etc.). Full details are on our website’s Terms & Conditions page. We also provide a short-term health guarantee. These animals go through our own quarantine and assessment—like the weight and condition checks we’ve mentioned—before they’re ever listed, to give you the best starting point.
✅ Plain brown box — no markings
✅ Not happy? Return within 30 days.
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✅ Domestic shipping — no customs
If you’re ready for a snake that combines unique beauty with an engaging care challenge, this Celebes Black-Tailed Ratsnake pair is an excellent choice. We’ve handled them, we trust the source, and our early customers have had great success.
Last updated: April 2026
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