Yellow Anaconda Species

The yellow anaconda is a semi-aquatic snake that belongs to the boa family of snakes. It is a large species, but is dwarfed by its close cousin--the green anaconda, which is the largest snake species in the world. In its native range, the snake is commonly hunted for its skin, which is used to make purses, shoes and belts.

  1. Description

    • The yellow anaconda grows up to 10 feet in length, on average, but can reach 15 feet and weigh up to 88 lbs. It is a large-bodied and heavily-muscled snake with yellow- to green-colored skin covered with darker brown to black blotches or bands. The coloration is specifically designed to camouflage the snakes in the dark murky waters in which they swim as well as in forest undergrowth. Female anacondas tend to grow larger than the males.

    Habitat and Range

    • The yellow anaconda is native to southern areas of South America such as Paraguay, southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Bolivia. The species is most commonly found in tropical wetland areas such as marshes and swamps. Slow-moving rivers and streams are also common habitats, as are rain forests near water. During the dry season, the snakes take shelter in damp caves or water-logged holes in river banks. When the wet season arrives and plains begin to flood, the snakes follow the water.

    Diet and Predators

    • The snakes' diet is based on how big they are; when the snakes are smaller they eat whatever animals they can subdue. The largest snakes feed on capybara, deer and occasionally small children, although this is rare. The general everyday diet is fish, reptiles, small mammals and turtles. Yellow anacondas are constrictors and wait either in the water or hidden in the undergrowth for prey. When prey is close enough the snakes strike, biting into their prey to hold it while they wrap their powerful body around it. The snake tightens the coils of its body around its prey, squeezing the air from its lungs and suffocating the animal.

    Life Cycle

    • Outside of breeding, the yellow anaconda is a solitary animal. Breeding takes place in April and May, with males seeking out females by following their scents. A group of several males can form around a single female, with the strongest male generally being the one who gets to breed. After around six months the female will give birth to between four and 82 live offspring, generally in the water. The young snakes are almost 2 feet long at birth and are left to fend for themselves once born. The anacondas can live between 15 to 20 years in the wild, on average.