Anaconda
Eunectes murinus
One of the heaviest snakes on Earth, a massive semi-aquatic constrictor of South American rivers and swamps.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 3-6 m (10-20 ft), females much larger than males
- Range
- Tropical South America, Amazon and Orinoco basins
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Overview
The green anaconda is the heaviest living snake species, an aquatic constrictor inhabiting slow-moving rivers, swamps, and flooded grasslands of tropical South America. Females are dramatically larger than males, a pronounced sexual dimorphism unusual among snakes.
Well adapted to aquatic life, anacondas spend much of their time submerged, using dense vegetation and murky water for concealment while ambushing prey.
How to identify it
- Massive, thick body, olive-green to brownish-green with rounded black blotches
- Eyes and nostrils positioned high on the head for surface breathing while submerged
- Smooth scales and a robust, muscular build
- No venom glands or fangs; kills through constriction
- Distinguished from boa constrictors by greater bulk, darker green tone, and aquatic habits
Habitat & range
Inhabits slow rivers, swamps, marshes, and seasonally flooded savanna across the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, favoring dense aquatic vegetation and muddy banks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Largely aquatic and mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, ambushing capybaras, deer, caimans, birds, and fish from the water. Kills through constriction, then swallows prey whole. Ovoviviparous, giving birth to large litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the anaconda the largest snake in the world?
It is the heaviest snake, though the reticulated python can exceed it in length.
Is the anaconda venomous?
No, it kills exclusively by constriction, with no venom.
Why are females so much larger than males?
Extreme sexual size dimorphism benefits reproduction, as larger females can carry more and bigger offspring.
What does an anaconda eat?
Large prey such as capybaras, deer, caimans, birds, and fish, captured underwater or near riverbanks.
Anaconda guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Anaconda.
