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How many vertebrae can an Australian python have?

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timber rattlesnake — snake Timber rattlesnake (*Crotalus horridus*).

The vertebral column of snakes is highly elongated, containing more vertebrae than any other living animal. Specifically, the Australian python (Morelia oenpelliensis) can have up to 600 vertebrae.1

Generally, snakes possess between 100 and 450 body (precaudal) vertebrae and 10 to 205 tail (caudal) vertebrae. These structures are specialized to provide both flexibility and rigidity, allowing for lateral and vertical movement while restricting twisting of the spine.1