The Largest Anaconda Ever Found Weighed More Than a Gorilla

Now imagine coming across this anaconda underwater. Holger Kirk / Shutterstock

The green anaconda — scientific name Eunectes murinus — is the heaviest snake species on our planet. These colossal serpents slither through the waterways of South America, captivating our imaginations with their immense size and power.

The largest anaconda ever found was an astounding sight to behold, coming in longer than a pickup truck and heavier than a gorilla.

The World's Largest Anaconda

The green anaconda is the heaviest snake in the world. These anacondas can range from an estimated 20 to 30 feet (6.1 to 9.1 meters). In 2016, construction workers in Brazil reported they discovered a massive anaconda measuring 33 feet in length and weighing approximately 880 pounds (399 kg) but outlets later debunked the story.

In 2024, researchers identified a new species that they dubbed the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima). The giant anaconda may rival or even surpass the southern green anaconda in size. A notable specimen known as Ana Julia measured 20.7 feet (6.3 meters) and weighed 440 pounds (200 kilograms).

Why Anacondas Are Among the World's Largest Snakes

The huge anacondas belong to the boa family and have evolved to become some of the largest snakes due to several factors. Their natural habitat in the Amazon rainforest provides abundant prey and dense waterways, allowing these snakes to grow to impressive sizes.

This environment also offers ample hunting opportunities, enabling them to feed on large prey such as capybaras, caimans and even jaguars. Their greenish-brown coloration with dark spots provides excellent camouflage in murky waters, making them stealthy predators.

snake wrapped around a crocodile-like reptile — Yes, you read that right: Anacondas can take down caimans.
GUDKOV ANDREY / Shutterstock

Female anacondas are typically larger than males (a trait known as sexual dimorphism) which aids them during reproduction.

Other Snake Species That Grow Long or Heavy

four men holding a long snake — Oh yeah, they even longer than this. Vadim Petrakov / Shutterstock

What's the biggest snake overall? Well, while the green anaconda is the heaviest snake, it's not often credited as the world's longest snake. Here are a few more impressive snakes.

Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus): These snakes are typically between 10 and 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) but can exceed 30 feet (9.1 meters) in length, with the longest recorded reticulated python measuring over 32 feet (9.75 meters).
Burmese python (Python bivittatus): This giant is capable of reaching lengths up to 23 feet (7 meters) and weighs around 200 pounds (90.72 kilograms). In Florida, these pythons are an invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems.
Yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus): Though smaller than its green cousin, the yellow anaconda can still grow up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and can weigh over 100 pounds (45.4 kilograms). However, these snakes are more typically 5 to 12 feet (2.3 to 5.4 meters) long.
African rock python (Python sebae): This reptile can reach lengths of over 10 to 16 feet (3 to 4.9 meters) and weigh up to 200 pounds (90.72), making it the continent's largest snake.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.