Anacondas and pythons are among the world’s most impressive constrictor snakes, often raising questions about which group is larger. Both are known for their power and ability to subdue substantial prey. Their physical characteristics and habitats reveal distinct strategies for achieving great size.
Anacondas: Measuring Their Might
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is known as the world’s heaviest snake species. While males average around 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) in length, females are considerably larger, often reaching about 4.6 meters (15 feet 1 inch). Mature green anacondas can extend up to 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) long and weigh between 30 to 80 kilograms (66 to 176 pounds).
The green anaconda’s bulk is tied to its semi-aquatic lifestyle in South American swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Their dense bodies allow for powerful constriction underwater, where they ambush prey. A verified specimen measured 5.21 meters (17 feet 1 inch) long and weighed 97.5 kilograms (214 pounds 15 ounces). Some reports suggest individuals may exceed 9 meters (30 feet) and 250 kilograms (550 pounds).
Pythons: Assessing Their Scale
The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the world’s longest snake. They commonly reach 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet), with some exceeding 6.25 meters (20 feet 6 inches). The longest recorded measured 10 meters (32.8 feet). A captive individual named Medusa was measured at 7.67 meters (25 feet 2 inches) long and weighed 158.8 kilograms (350 pounds).
Another large python species, the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), ranges from 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet). Though not as long as the reticulated python, Burmese pythons can be heavy, with individuals weighing up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds). The heaviest recorded Burmese python in Florida weighed 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds) and was nearly 18 feet long. Unlike anacondas, pythons inhabit terrestrial or arboreal environments like rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. This influences their more slender, elongated build.
Direct Comparison: Length, Weight, and “Bigger” Defined
When comparing anacondas and pythons, the definition of “bigger” depends on the metric considered. For sheer length, the reticulated python surpasses all other snakes. Its record length of 10 meters (32.8 feet) is greater than any reliably documented anaconda. Green anacondas rarely exceed 6.25 meters (20 feet 6 inches), though some unverified claims suggest greater lengths.
When measured by weight and girth, the green anaconda is the larger snake. The bulk of a 5.2-meter (17-foot 1-inch) green anaconda is comparable to that of a 7.4-meter (24-foot 3-inch) reticulated python, illustrating the anaconda’s much thicker body. Wild reticulated pythons weigh between 1 to 75 kilograms (2 to 165 pounds), while adult green anacondas weigh between 30 to 80 kilograms (66 to 176 pounds). The anaconda’s aquatic habitat allows it to develop a more robust physique, enabling it to overpower large prey in water. While pythons may be longer, anacondas are considerably heavier and more voluminous.