When we think about snakes, many of us get shivers just imagining these slithering creatures nearby. Whether they move silently or show aggression, snakes excel at being stealthy. Measuring a snake’s length is quite a challenge. The phrase “go to great lengths” might very well refer to the difficulty of measuring a snake. After all, a snake is unpredictable! It slithers around quickly, making it hard to catch and measure. That’s why experts often have to sedate them before taking measurements. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 largest snakes in the world.
| S.N. | Snake Name | Botanical Name | Weight | Length | Venomous/Non-venomous | Short Description |
| 1 | Green Anaconda | Eunectes murinus | ~80 kg | 9 meters | Non-venomous | Belongs to the semi-aquatic family of boa species. It is the longest and 3rd heaviest snake in the world. Kills prey by constriction. |
| 2 | Reticulated Python | Malayopython reticulatus | ~158 kg | 8 meters | Non-venomous | World’s longest snake in captivity. Found in southern and southeast Asia. The population decreased due to hunting for skin and sale as pets. Listed as least concern. |
| 3 | Amethystine Python | Morelia amethistina | ~20 kg | 5-8 meters | Non-venomous | Found in Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Good swimmer, preys on wallabies and small rodents. Third longest snake. |
| 4 | Burmese Python | Python bivittatus | ~98 kg | 5 meters | Non-venomous | Native to southeast Asia, vulnerable due to pet trade. Females are slightly longer and heavier. |
| 5 | African Rock Python | Python sebae | ~50 kg | 3-5 meters | Non-venomous | Among the largest snakes. Preys on antelope, sometimes crocodiles. Females protect nests and hatchlings. |
| 6 | King Cobra | Ophiophagus hannah | ~6-9 kg | 3-4 meters | Venomous | Longest venomous snake, not a true cobra. Categorized as vulnerable. Displays threat by spreading neck-flap, erecting fangs, and hissing. |
| 7 | Indian Python | Python molurus | ~50-90 kg | 3 meters | Non-venomous | Native to Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent. Portrayed as Kaa in The Jungle Book. Females can be up to 4.6 meters in length. |
| 8 | Black Mamba | Dendroaspis polylepis | ~1.6 kg | 2-3 meters | Venomous | Highly poisonous, second-longest venomous snake. Aggressive, fast, and attacks with razor-sharp fangs. |
| 9 | Boa Constrictor | Boa constrictor | ~10-15 kg | 2-3 meters | Non-venomous | Large, non-poisonous snake native to tropical South America. Popular as pet snakes. Sexual dimorphism with females being larger. |
| 10 | King Brown | Pseudechis australis | ~3-6 kg | 2-2.5 meters | Venomous | Highly venomous, native to Australia. The venom causes muscular damage and blood clots. Not as deadly as other Australian snakes but still dangerous. |
1. Green anaconda – Eunectes murinus
Length: 9 meters
Average weight: ~80 kg
The Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is a species of boa that primarily inhabits South America and the Caribbean island of Trinidad. This semi-aquatic serpent, also known by names such as the emerald anaconda, common water boa, giant anaconda, or southern green anaconda, holds the record for being the longest and heaviest snake on the planet. Unlike venomous snakes, the Green Anaconda subdues its prey through constriction, which is why it is often referred to as a boa-constrictor. On average, it weighs about 80 kilograms and can reach a length of up to 9 meters, though some individuals have been known to grow as long as 11 meters.
Also Read:- Top 10 Fastest Jets in the World 2024 | World’s Fastest Military Jets
2. Reticulated python –Malayopython reticulatus
Length: 8 meters
Average weight: ~158 kg
The reticulated python, scientifically known as Malayopython reticulatus, is renowned as the world’s longest snake ever kept in captivity, reaching up to 8 meters in length. In its natural habitat, which spans southern and southeast Asia, it can also grow to this impressive length. Weighing approximately 158 kilograms on average, it is the third heaviest snake globally. This species is a non-venomous constrictor, meaning it subdues its prey through constriction rather than venom. Notably, it does not prey on adult humans. Unfortunately, hunting for their skin and the pet trade has led to a significant decline in their population. Despite this, the reticulated python is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
3. Amethystine python – Morelia amethistina
Length: 5-8 meters
Average weight: ~20 kg
The amethystine python, also known as the scrub python or sanca permata in Indonesia, is predominantly located in Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. This impressive snake ranks third among the world’s longest serpents, typically reaching lengths between 5 to 8 meters. Weighing around 20 kilograms on average, it is a member of the Pythonidae family and is non-venomous. The amethystine python’s diet includes wallabies and small rodents. Notably, it is an excellent swimmer. In their natural habitat, these snakes generally grow up to 5 meters, though they can occasionally reach lengths of up to 8 meters.
Also Read:- Explore The Top 10 Tallest Buildings In World’s In 2024
4. Burmese python – Python bivittatus
Length: 5 meters
Average weight: ~98 kg
The Burmese python, originating from Southeast Asia, typically reaches lengths of up to 5 meters and weighs around 98 kg. Since 2009, it has been recognized as a separate species from Indian pythons. Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, this non-venomous snake can grow quite large in the wild, with some individuals, such as one named ‘Baby,’ reaching 5.74 meters in length. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, females tend to be slightly longer and heavier than males. Unfortunately, their numbers have dwindled significantly due to the pet trade.
5. African rock python – Python sebae
Length: 3-5 meters
Average weight: ~50 kg
The Central African rock python, native to Sub-Saharan Africa, ranks among the world’s largest snake species. Measuring 3-5 meters in length and weighing around 50 kg on average, this non-venomous constrictor is highly notable. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the rock python is considered a delicacy, posing a risk of significant population decline. It primarily preys on animals such as antelope and occasionally crocodiles. The species is oviparous, with females exhibiting a rare behavior among snakes by guarding their nests and sometimes their hatchlings.
Also Read:- Top 10 Richest People in Asia: Net Worth Overview 2024
6. King cobra – Ophiophagus hannah
Length: 3-4 meters
Average weight: ~6-9 kg
The King Cobra, scientifically named Ophiophagus hannah, is a highly venomous snake and the sole species in the genus Ophiophagus. Despite not being a true cobra, it is often referred to as the King Cobra due to its similarities. This snake can reach lengths of 3 to 4 meters, making it the longest venomous snake on the planet, with an average weight ranging from approximately 6 to 9 kilograms. When threatened, the King Cobra exhibits a distinctive behavior: it flares its neck hood, rears up, exposes its fangs, maintains eye contact, and emits a hiss. The IUCN Red List classifies the King Cobra as a vulnerable species.
7. Indian python – Python molurus
Length: 3 meters
Average weight: ~50-90 kg
The Indian Python, also known as the Indian rock python, black-tailed python, or Asian rock python, is indigenous to Southeast Asia and the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent. Typically, it grows to about 3 meters in length. Like other pythons, it is non-venomous. This species was famously depicted as Kaa in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” and its Disney movie adaptation. The longest recorded specimen, found in Pakistan, measured 4.6 meters in length and weighed approximately 52 kg.
8. Black mamba – Dendroaspis polylepis
Length: 2-3 meters
Average weight: ~1.6 kg
The Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), a member of the Elapidae family, is renowned for its potent venom. As the second-longest venomous snake after the King Cobra, it can reach lengths of 2-3 meters and typically weighs around 1.6 kilograms. Known for its aggressive nature, the Black Mamba can strike from a significant distance at speeds up to 16 km/h, delivering bites with its sharp fangs to various parts of its prey.
Also Read:- Top 21 Iconic Hindu Temples in India to See
9. Boa constrictor – Boa constrictor
Length: 2-3 meters
Average weight: ~10-15 kg
The Boa Constrictor, often simply called the Boa, is a hefty, non-venomous snake from the Boidae family. Typically found in tropical regions of South America, this large snake measures between 2 to 3 meters in length and weighs around 10-15 kg. The species includes several subspecies, such as the boa constrictor and boa imperator. The Boa Imperator, in particular, is a favored choice for pet enthusiasts worldwide, with wild specimens reaching lengths of up to 3 meters. In this species, females are usually larger than males, showcasing sexual dimorphism.
10. King brown – Pseudechis australis
Length: 2-2.5 meters
Average weight: ~ 3-6 kg
The King brown snake, also known as the Mulga Snake, is a venomous species found across much of Australia. It typically reaches lengths of 2 to 2.5 meters and weighs around 3 to 6 kilograms on average. While not as lethal as some other Australian snakes, its venom can cause severe muscle damage, blood clotting, and potentially fatal consequences in large doses.