What is the largest snake in the world

If there is a type of animal varied in terms of sizes and aspects, it is snakes. This group brings together from the smallest species in size to the different giant snakes that have been cataloged, with sizes that exceed 10 meters in length.

If you like to watch documentaries about animals on television, you have surely seen more than one dedicated to snakes. Some documentaries that, it must be said, are best seen with a television that has DTT HD, which allows a better appreciation of the colors and details of these particular animals. These programs sometimes talk about species that can reach spectacular sizes, as you can see in this list of the largest snakes in the world.

In it we will explain how long an anaconda is, what is the longest snake in the world or what are the largest species of snakes that exist in nature. Species that, everything is said, are not suitable for domestic terrariums and should be kept as far away from home as possible.

A note before we start. When we talk about these species, we refer only to those that have been discovered and catalogued. Therefore, this list is subject to change due to possible discoveries that may arise in the future. On the other hand, it is also important to know that there is a certain variability in size in each species that we comment on. That is, not all snakes reach their maximum sizes, just as not all people exceed two meters in height, for example.

The Green Anaconda

The Green Anaconda snake is one of the largest species in the world and has served as inspiration for different movies. This animal has a variable size, which can reach 11 meters in length and weigh approximately 250 kilos. Something that forces this species to live in the water, since it is quite difficult for it to move out of it. This anaconda is not poisonous, although given its strength and size it does not matter. In fact, their hunting method consists of capturing their victims, drowning them and eating them. So you don’t need poison.

Regarding its geographical distribution, we are talking about a species that is found in South America, mainly in the basins of large rivers, such as the Orinoco, the Amazon or the Alto Paraná, among others. Places that give this species the ideal environment to keep close at hand the large prey it feeds on.

reticulated python

The reticulated python is another common species when it comes to finding the world’s largest snake. The specimens cataloged by scientists have reached dimensions of up to 12 meters long, although it is true that the weight of this animal is much smaller than that of the anaconda. 

This species is native to Southeast Asia and is found in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, located in areas close to water. As happens with the great snakes, the animal moves mainly through the liquid element, although always in areas close to the shores. This allows him to hunt different animals, which he catches and drowns to eat.

African Rock Pion

We change the continent, but not the species, to talk about the African Rock Python. Although it is not so big as to be the largest snake in the world found, the truth is that it is the largest species on the continent. This giant species has variable measurements, although experts establish its length at approximately 7 or 8 meters, with a weight of 150 to 200 kilos.

This snake has a broad head covered in scales, while its dorsal color is rather brown, with dark stripes bordered by black. What would be the appearance of a conventional snake skin. Regarding its habitat, its presence is extensive in different central areas of the continent and, compared to other species, it moves on land, although always near rivers or lakes. From here, it can hunt other large species, such as leopards or impalas, using the constriction technique that we have been discussing.

Australian amethyst python

We reduced the size of these animals a bit to talk about the Australian amethyst python. As its name indicates, this species comes from Australia, and is also common in Papua New Guinea. In both regions, it is a very common species, and there are professionals dedicated to dealing with them.

This snake is one of the largest species in the world, although its length is about six meters. Therefore, the concept of a giant snake is a bit too big for it, ranking at the bottom of this list. Regarding its weight, it ranges from about 70 to 80 kilos. However, this does not prevent it from climbing trees up to 30 meters high, from where it can hunt birds. It also feeds on fish, small mammals, wallabies and even the occasional dog, if it comes within its reach.

King Cobra

We have left the King Cobra for last, which is a strange mix between the large species that we have been commenting on. We are talking about the largest venomous snake in the known world, with just 500 milligrams of its neurotoxin being enough to kill an elephant in one bite. However, as far as size is concerned, the animal has a length of around six meters, placing it in the lower part due to its extension.

Regarding its environment, this species abounds in the mangroves and riparian forests of Asia. Among its curiosities, in countries like India, this cobra is considered a sacred animal, and it is common for it to appear next to Shiva, the well-known Hindu god. As for its hunting system, it is mixed, using constriction with smaller prey and using poison to hunt larger prey.