Snakes captivate human imagination with their diverse forms and sizes. A common question concerns the largest snake in the world, but the answer is not straightforward. “Largest” can refer to different physical attributes, leading to a distinction between the longest and the heaviest.
Defining “Largest”
The term “largest” when applied to snakes can be interpreted in two ways: by overall body length or by total body mass. No single snake species holds both titles simultaneously; extreme length often comes with a slender build, while immense weight is associated with a thicker body. Two different snake species are recognized as the world’s largest, depending on the specific metric.
The Heaviest Snake
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) holds the record as the world’s heaviest snake. These powerful constrictors are native to the tropical rainforests and wetlands of South America, inhabiting the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Adult green anacondas average around 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length, though some individuals can reach up to 9 meters (30 feet) long and weigh as much as 250 kilograms (550 pounds). Their girth can exceed 30 centimeters (1 foot) in diameter.
Green anacondas are semi-aquatic, spending much of their lives in shallow, slow-moving waters like swamps and streams. Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads, allowing them to remain almost entirely submerged while ambushing prey. As non-venomous ambush predators, they rely on their strength to constrict and suffocate large animals, including capybaras, caimans, deer, and even jaguars. Females are typically larger and heavier than males.
The Longest Snake
In contrast to the green anaconda’s bulk, the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the world’s longest snake. This species is found across Southeast Asia, thriving in diverse habitats like rainforests, grasslands, and urban areas. Reticulated pythons regularly exceed 6.25 meters (20.5 feet) in length, with unverified reports suggesting lengths up to 10 meters (32.8 feet). A notable captive specimen named Medusa measured 7.67 meters (25 feet 2 inches) and weighed approximately 158.8 kilograms (350 pounds).
These pythons have a more slender build than anacondas, making them skilled climbers and excellent swimmers. They are non-venomous ambush predators. Their diet consists primarily of mammals, from rodents to pigs and deer, along with various birds. The reticulated python’s distinctive pattern of black, brown, and tan scales provides effective camouflage.
Other Giants
While the green anaconda and reticulated python hold the titles for heaviest and longest, several other snake species are also notable for their size.
Burmese Python
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus), native to Southeast Asia, commonly measures between 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) in length. Some captive individuals exceed 6.7 meters (22 feet) and weigh up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds). They inhabit forests, marshes, and river systems.
African Rock Python
The African rock python (Python sebae and Python natalensis) is Africa’s largest snake. The Southern African rock python typically ranges from 2.8 to 4 meters (9 to 13 feet), with exceptional specimens reaching 5.8 meters (19 feet). The Central African rock python can grow to 4.8 meters (15 feet 9 inches) or more, with some reports suggesting lengths over 6 meters (20 feet) and weights up to 91 kilograms (201 pounds). These constrictors are found in savannah and woodland areas, often near water sources.
Boa Constrictor
The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), distributed across the Americas, is another large snake. Most adults are about 3 meters (10 feet) long, but some individuals can grow to 5.5 meters (18 feet). These adaptable snakes inhabit a variety of environments, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and scrublands.