Anacondas are three species of aquatic boa inhabiting the swamps and rivers of the dense forests of tropical South America.
Two species are well-known:
- The Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), which has been reported at up to 10 metres in length (although most individuals are considerably smaller) and, while shorter than the longest recorded species, the Reticulated Python, it is considerably heavier and is as a result the largest (i.e. heaviest) snake species currently in existence.
- The Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), which reaches a relatively smaller maximum length of 3 metres.
Like almost all boas, anacondas give birth to live young.
Anacondas have a reputation for bad temperament; that plus the massive size of the green species mean that anacondas are comparatively less popular as pets than other boas.
See also:
- Anaconda (movie)
- Anaconda, Montana (named for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, whose company town it was)