Snakes are limbless reptiles that are found on every continent except Antarctica (also found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans). Most snakes do not possess venom and kill their prey through constriction. The largest snakes in the world are all constrictors, either Boa or Python. The following is the list of the largest snakes in the world. Let’s read.
The largest snakes in the world
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Green Anaconda is the largest snake in the world. Found in South America, mainly in the Amazon rainforest, Green Anacondas are the apex predators in their ecosystem. The typical weight range for females is 30 to 70 kilograms while the length ranges from 13 to 17 ft. Males are much smaller than females with an average length of less than 10 ft.
Green Anaconda is olive green in colour with dark oval spots on the spine. Anaconda is not a python species, it is a boa species.
Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
Burmese pythons are found in Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The typical length range is 11 to 16 ft but these pythons can reach 18 ft and above. Like most pythons, the weight varies a lot. The typical range is 15 to 50 kgs. The Burmese python is also found in Florida, USA. It is an invasive species in Florida and has been able to develop a breeding population.
Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus)
The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world. Among all the pythons listed in this article, the reticulated python reaches 15 ft and above most often. The weight depends on various factors. The extraordinarily large specimens can weigh above 50 kgs and can be over 20 ft long.
African rock python (Python sebae/Python natalensis)
With a typical length between 9 to 13 ft and a weight between 25 to 50 kgs, the African rock python is the world’s fourth-largest snake. There are two species of African rock python- Northern African Rock Python (Python sebae) and southern African rock python (Python natalensis). The African rock python is regarded by many biologists as the second heaviest snake on Earth. These pythons can reach a length of 15 ft and above rarely.
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
The Yellow Anaconda is the second largest species of Anaconda. Adults are 10 to 14 ft long with an average weight between 25 to 35 kgs.
Indian rock python (Python molurus)
Coming at number 6 on the list, the Indian Rock Python generally grows to up to 3 meters (9.8 ft). Some rare large specimens above 12 ft have also been found. Indian rock python is found in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Amethystine python (Simalia amethistina)
Amethystine python is found in Indonesia, New Guinea island, and Northern Australia. With a typical length of between 2 to 4 meters, the Amethystine python is the world’s seventh-largest snake. These pythons in captivity grow exceptionally long, even over 6 meters.
(Also read: Top 5 longest snakes in India)
Largest Venomous snake
King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
King Cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world. It is found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China. King Cobras generally are 10 to 15 ft long and weigh between 5 to 10 kgs.
Largest sea snake
Hydrophis spiralis
Hydrophis spiralis also known as the Yellow sea snake is the largest sea snake in the world. It grows 1 to 3 meters in length and is found in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
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