Green Anaconda
Eunectes Murinus
Scientific Name
Green Anaconda:
Eunectes Murinus
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
Anacondas live mainly in the tropical forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of northern South America, in Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, northeast Peru, Guyana, northern Bolivia and the island of Trinidad.
Natural Habitat
Green anacondas can be found mainly in marshes, swamps and slow-moving streams. Stealthy and sleek in the water, these reptiles are able to lie completely submerged in water because of the eyes and nasal openings that are located on top of their heads. When the green anaconda is not in the water it can be found hanging in trees.
Physical Characteristics
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As the name suggests, the green anaconda is olive green in color with black blotches that run through the length of its body. The head of the green anaconda is narrower than the rest of its body and has a distinctive orange-yellow striping on either side. Apart from the physical features mentioned above, the green anaconda also has scales.
Quick Facts
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Green anacondas can grow to more than 29 feet (8.8 meters), weigh more than 550 pounds (227 kilograms), and measure more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter.
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It is the most massive of all known snake species.
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Anacondas are strong constrictors. They coil their bodies around their prey and squeeze until the prey dies. The green anaconda can unhinge its jaw to stretch its mouth around the body of larger prey items.