Anacondas and pythons are powerful constrictor snakes. These reptiles are known for their size and strength. A common question is: which one is truly bigger? Both are non-venomous and subdue prey through constriction, and their physical characteristics and behaviors offer insights into their adaptations.
The Size Showdown
When comparing anacondas and pythons, the Green Anaconda (Eunectes) and the Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) are the largest of their groups. The Green Anaconda is the world’s heaviest snake, while the Reticulated Python is the longest. Green Anacondas reach lengths between 10 to 20 feet, with females averaging around 15.5 feet. Their weight ranges from 100 to 550 pounds, with adult females weighing between 200 to 350 pounds. Some Green Anacondas have been reported up to 30 feet long and over 500 pounds.
Reticulated Pythons are known for their length, averaging between 9.8 to 19.7 feet. Most individuals are less than 16.4 feet long. While lighter than anacondas, their weight can range from 165 to 386 pounds. The longest Reticulated Pythons have reached lengths of up to 32.8 feet. The heaviest recorded Reticulated Python weighed about 350 pounds.
Beyond Size: Key Distinctions
Beyond their dimensions, anacondas and pythons exhibit other differences tied to their environments. Anacondas are in the Boa family (Boidae), while pythons are in the Pythonidae family. This taxonomic separation is reflected in their reproductive strategies; anacondas give birth to live young (viviparity), whereas pythons lay eggs (oviparous).
Their habitats and geographic distributions also set them apart. Anacondas are native to South America, primarily inhabiting the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. They are semi-aquatic, spending much of their lives in swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads, allowing them to remain submerged while observing their surroundings.
Pythons are found across Africa, Asia, and Australia, adapting to a wider range of environments including rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. While some pythons are strong swimmers, they are more terrestrial or arboreal compared to anacondas.
Understanding “Bigger”: Length vs. Mass
Which snake is “bigger” depends on the metric used for comparison. If length is the primary consideration, the Reticulated Python surpasses the Green Anaconda. Reticulated Pythons achieve greater overall lengths, making them the longest snakes in the world. Their elongated and leaner body structure supports this linear growth.
If “bigger” refers to mass and girth, the Green Anaconda holds an advantage. Green Anacondas have a robust and heavy build, with a larger diameter, reaching up to 12 inches. This girth contributes to their weight, making them the heaviest snakes globally. A Green Anaconda of moderate length can outweigh a longer Reticulated Python, highlighting that length and mass are distinct measures of size.