What Is the Longest Snake in the World? Meet the Top 9

Meet the world's longest snake: the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus). This colossal serpent grows to an average length of about 20 feet (6.1 meters). However, some record-breaking individuals max out at nearly twice that size.

In fact, the record for the longest reticulated python found in the wild is held by an individual that measured a staggering 32 feet (nearly 10 meters) in length, which was recorded in 1912. These snakes can weigh up to 350 pounds (159 kilograms), though their length is their most notable feature.

Native to Southeast Asia, the retic is known for its intricate, net-like pattern of colors that help it blend into its natural environment. One adventure-seeking python recently decided to trade the jungle for a mall in the Philippines, where the massive snake was spotted chasing a rat through a warehouse.

Security personnel quickly intervened, primarily concerned about the python’s safety due to its endangered status, and successfully rescued the snake. The python was then handed over to local authorities for proper care.

The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is one of the largest and heaviest snakes in the world. It can grow up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) in length and weigh well over 500 pounds (227 kg).

Unlike many other large snakes, the green anaconda's incredible size is not just about length but also its robust, muscular body, which enables it to constrict and overpower large prey such as caimans, deer and even jaguars.

These snakes are semiaquatic, spending much of their time in water, using their strength and stealth to ambush prey.

Green Anaconda Subspecies

The green anaconda is divided into two subspecies. The southern green anaconda is found primarily in Paraguay, southern Brazil and northern Argentina. Meanwhile, its counterpart, the northern green anaconda, inhabits the Amazon Basin, including parts of Venezuela, Colombia and the Guianas.

Both subspecies thrive in the swamps, marshes and slow-moving rivers of their respective regions.

Conservation Status

Efforts to conserve the world's largest snakes, such as the reticulated python and green anaconda, are increasingly important as these species face habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade. Conservation initiatives focus on protecting their natural habitats, including the rainforests, swamps and wetlands they inhabit.

Protected areas are established in Southeast Asia and South America to safeguard these environments from deforestation and human encroachment. Additionally, wildlife organizations like Save the Snakes work to combat illegal hunting and trade by enforcing laws and raising awareness about the ecological importance of these snakes.

Breeding programs, like Cobra Care, play a role in preserving genetic diversity and helping to reintroduce these species into the wild. Education and community involvement are key to these conservation efforts, helping to shift public perception and encourage coexistence with these remarkable reptiles.

The amethystine python, also known as the scrub python (Simalia amethistina), is one of the longest snake species in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 27 feet (8.2 meters).

Native to Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia, this python is known for its iridescent sheen, which gives its scales a shimmering, amethyst-like appearance.

These giant snakes are known for their size and ability to hunt a wide range of prey, which sometimes includes golf accessories. In a surprising case, a scrub python in Queensland, Australia, mistook a pair of golf balls for lunch while slithering through a backyard.

Thankfully, the error wasn't fatal; the golf balls were surgically removed, saving the snake. This incident highlights the unexpected challenges these powerful reptiles face in human-altered environments, where everyday objects can become hazards.

The African rock python (Python sebae) is one of the largest and most formidable snakes in Africa. Adult pythons usually measure between 10 and 16 feet (3 to 6 meters) in length — though some can grow significantly larger, with the biggest specimens reaching up to around 24 feet (7.3 meters)

Known for its robust build and aggressive nature, the African rock python inhabits a variety of environments, from savannas and grasslands to forests and near water sources.

These formidable snakes are known for their impressive strength and hunting abilities. Some can even take down and eat large prey, such as antelope, warthogs and crocodiles. Their ability to consume such massive animals is a testament to their powerful constricting abilities and their role as apex predators in their natural habitats.

The Indian python (Python molurus) is a large, nonvenomous snake native to the Indian subcontinent. It is among the biggest snake species on the planet, with most adults reaching around 10 feet (about 3 meters). But some of these serpentine giants don’t stop there; they keep growing and can reach jaw-dropping lengths of 20 feet (6.1 meters).

Thanks to its slow metabolism, this stealthy serpent can go months without eating after a large meal. After feasting on prey as large as deer, the python enters a period of near-dormancy, conserving energy while it slowly digests its food. This adaptation allows it to thrive in environments where food may be scarce.

In addition to its remarkable size and slow metabolism, the Indian python is a skilled swimmer and often inhabits areas near water bodies, such as rivers and swamps.

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake in the world, capable of reaching up to 18 feet (5.5 meters). Native to forests across India, Southeast Asia and parts of China, the large snake is renowned for its distinctive hood and potent neurotoxic venom.

Unlike most snakes, the king cobra feeds primarily on other snakes, including venomous species. It is highly territorial and will aggressively defend its nesting area, where females lay eggs.

While feared by many, the king cobra typically avoids humans and only attacks when threatened.

But sometimes, the massive serpent can't resist a bit of sightseeing. Authorities in India recently captured a 12-foot (3.7-meter) king cobra in a village in Assam. Weighing over 15 pounds (6.8 kg), this impressive serpent had caused quite a stir before being safely relocated.

The boa constrictor is a large nonvenomous snake that typically grows between 6 and 10 feet (1.8 to 3.1 meters), though some individuals can reach up to 18 feet (5.5 meters).

Boa constrictors are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including rainforests, savannas and agricultural areas. They are primarily ambush predators, relying on their camouflage to remain hidden until they strike.

Despite their size and strength, boa constrictors are generally not aggressive toward humans and are popular in the exotic pet trade, due to their relatively docile nature. However, there are exceptions. In 2022, an 18-foot-long (5.5-meter-long) boa made headlines after strangling its owner.

The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the largest snake species in the world. It typically grows to around 15 feet (4.6 meters), but some individuals clock in closer to 17 feet (5.18 meters).

Native to Southeast Asia, the python is known for its heavy build and striking brown, tan and black patterns. It thrives in a variety of habitats — including grasslands, marshes and forests — and is often found near water. The powerful constrictor preys on mammals, birds and reptiles.

Due to its size and strength, the Burmese python is a formidable predator in its natural environment, but it also faces threats from habitat loss and hunting. In some areas, it has become an invasive species, particularly in Florida's Everglades, where it poses significant ecological challenges.

The yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) is one of the smaller species of anaconda, typically measuring between 5 and 9 feet (1.5 and 2.7 meters) in length. However, some can grow up to 15 feet (4.6 meters).

Native to the wetlands, swamps and rivers of South America, the yellow anaconda is known for its distinctive yellow and brown-patterned skin. It is semiaquatic, spending much of its time in water, where it proves itself to be an adept swimmer.

While not as widely known as its cousin, the green anaconda, this serpent plays an important role as a top predator in its ecosystem. And despite its large size, the yellow anaconda generally avoids human interaction and is not considered aggressive. However, this elusive nature hasn't stopped the illegal wildlife trade.

In April 2024, customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru arrested a passenger attempting to smuggle 10 yellow anacondas concealed in his check-in baggage. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to combat wildlife smuggling through airports and protect these animals from illegal trade.

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