The world of snakes includes species that attain immense sizes. The question of which snake is the “biggest” is complex, as the term can refer to different measurements. This article explores the specific species that hold these records.
Defining “Biggest”: Length Versus Weight
Determining the “biggest” snake requires clarifying the specific criteria. The term can refer to the longest snake, emphasizing linear dimension, or the heaviest, focusing on mass and girth. These two metrics often lead to different species holding the top spot, as a long snake might be slender, while a shorter one could be more robust.
The Green Anaconda: Heaviest Champion
The Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the heaviest snake globally. Adult females, typically larger than males, average 4.6 meters (15 feet) in length, weighing 30 to 80 kg (66 to 176 lbs). The largest reliably measured specimen was 5.21 meters (17 feet 1 inch) long, weighing 97.5 kg (214 lbs 15 oz). This non-venomous constrictor inhabits South American waterways, preferring swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Its olive green coloration provides camouflage, allowing it to ambush prey like capybaras, caimans, and deer.
The Reticulated Python: Longest Champion
The Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the world’s longest snake, regularly exceeding 6.25 meters (20.5 feet). The longest recorded individual measured 10 meters (32.8 feet) in 1912. While generally more slender than the green anaconda, a captive python named Medusa reached 7.67 meters (25 feet 2 inches) long and weighed 158.8 kg (350 lbs). Native to Southeast Asia, these constrictors thrive in diverse habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands. They are ambush predators that primarily feed on mammals and birds.
Other Noteworthy Large Snakes
Beyond the top contenders, several other snake species are recognized for their size. The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) typically grows between 3 and 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) and weighs up to 90.7 kg (200 pounds). African Rock Pythons (Python sebae), Africa’s largest, commonly reach 2.8 to 4 meters (9 to 13 feet), with some exceeding 6 meters (20 feet). Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor) range from 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in length, though some can reach up to 3.9 meters (12.8 feet).