There are more than 3,000 snake species on the globe, which can leave most people curious about the world’s biggest snakes. This post will take you through the unique attributes of the seven biggest snakes in the world.
Table of Contents
Green Anaconda
Due to its popularity, you’ve probably heard of the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus). This snake grows to about 30 feet and weighs approximately 550 pounds when fully grown. It’s also known as the giant anaconda, sucuri, or common water boa. The snake is native to South Africa and belongs to the boa species.
Surprisingly, the green anaconda is non-venomous, but it compensates for it with its monstrous strength. The green anaconda prefers to live near water bodies. Despite their weight, they are excellent swimmers.
Reticulated Python
The reticulated python (Python reticulatus) is native to South and Southeast Asia. Also called the retic python, this snake landed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest snake. However, this doesn’t mean you should look for this giant gem. Retic python is quite aggressive, making it difficult to capture its accurate weight and length. Probably best to just go see one at the aquarium or a zoo!
The size and weight of the snake are often influenced by factors such as environmental conditions, gender, and specific morphs. Dwarf males are about 6 feet long. Larger females can grow up to 20 feet or more and have a record of growing to 33 feet. Mature females can weigh as heavy as 250 pounds.
Amethystine Python
The amethystine python (Morelia amethistina) also belongs to the family of giant snakes since they grow to about 27 feet. The amethystine python isn’t heavy compared to the green anaconda and retics. It only weighs about 33 pounds. It’s native to Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia. The python loves environments like shrublands, savannas, and tropical forests.
Burmese Python
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) grows to about 23 feet and can weigh 200 pounds or more. This python is native to Southeast Asia. The Burmese python uses its sheer strength to squeeze their prey before eating. There are varying sizes of this python, with the record holder at 27 feet and weighing 400 pounds.
Indian Rock Python
The Indian rock python (Python molurus) is native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The snake can grow to 20 feet or longer. It can weigh approximately 150 pounds. This reptile normally feeds on birds and small mammals. The Indian rock python is also known to squeeze its prey before eating.
King Cobra
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the sixth largest snake in the world. Unlike other snakes featured herein, the king cobra is venomous. It’s native to Southern and Southeast Asia. The longest king cobra was 19.2 feet. However, they grow to approximately 10-13 feet in most cases.
African Rock Python
The African rock python (Python sebae) grows to about 16 feet and is very aggressive. It can weigh up to 250 pounds. The African python usually feeds on warthogs, crocodiles, antelopes, and other large prey.
With these seven of the biggest snakes in the world, which one comes as a surprise to you? Or which one have you seen in the zoo? We’d love to know!