Anacondas are large non-venomous snakes that live in the tropical rainforests of South America. Although the term 'anaconda' refers to a group of snakes, the word is commonly only used to refer to one species in particular - the Eunectes murinus - also known as the Green Anaconda, Common Anaconda and Water Boa.
Eunectes murinus is derived from both the Greek word for 'good swimmer' and the Latin for 'he who predates on mice'.
The anaconda is one of the world's largest snakes. It reaches more than 5 meters (16 ft) in length. Although the reticulated python is a longer snake, the anaconda is heavier. The longest and heaviest scientifically recorded specimen of snake was a female anaconda that measured 521 cm (17 ft 1 inch) in length and weighed 97.5 kilograms (215 lb). The standard color pattern of an anaconda is an olive green background overlaid with black blotches along the body.
Anacondas are primarily aquatic and they have a large variety of prey. Generally speaking they will prey on anything that they can manage to overpower. This includes:
- Fish
- Birds
- A variety of mammals
- Other reptiles
Larger anacondas have even been known to consume prey such as tapir or deer, but meals of this size are not consumed regularly. Anacondas use constriction in order to subdue their prey. On occasion they have been known to resort to cannibalism also, most commonly with a larger female consuming a smaller male. The exact reason for this behavior is not fully known.
The eyes of an anaconda are set high on their head. This allows the snake to see out of the water while swimming without exposing its body above the water.
Eunectes murinus is derived from both the Greek word for 'good swimmer' and the Latin for 'he who predates on mice'.
The anaconda is one of the world's largest snakes. It reaches more than 5 meters (16 ft) in length. Although the reticulated python is a longer snake, the anaconda is heavier. The longest and heaviest scientifically recorded specimen of snake was a female anaconda that measured 521 cm (17 ft 1 inch) in length and weighed 97.5 kilograms (215 lb). The standard color pattern of an anaconda is an olive green background overlaid with black blotches along the body.
Anacondas are primarily aquatic and they have a large variety of prey. Generally speaking they will prey on anything that they can manage to overpower. This includes:
- Fish
- Birds
- A variety of mammals
- Other reptiles
Larger anacondas have even been known to consume prey such as tapir or deer, but meals of this size are not consumed regularly. Anacondas use constriction in order to subdue their prey. On occasion they have been known to resort to cannibalism also, most commonly with a larger female consuming a smaller male. The exact reason for this behavior is not fully known.
The eyes of an anaconda are set high on their head. This allows the snake to see out of the water while swimming without exposing its body above the water.
