Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus

The Green Anaconda is the world's largest snake: the heaviest (nearly 100 kg) and one of the two longest, growing to some 17 feet (5 metres) length - although there are claims of up to 30 feet (9 metres). It is shorter than the slimmer Reticulated Python. Also called the Common Anaconda, it is native to northern South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins).

Anacondas live some 10-12 years in the wild but up to 30 years in captivity.

They spend alot of time in water. Eyes are on the top of the head so the snake can submerge most of itself when hunting. Prey is large: wild pigs, deer, tapir, capybara, caiman, birds and even jaguar.

During breeding, several males will wrap round a larger female in water. The image above right shows the bulky Green Anaconda with the much slimmer and shorter Boa Constrictor.

Anaconda reflecting