The word Eunectes is derived from the Latin prefix eu, which means “good,” and the Greek word nectes, which means “swimmer,” a name that could refer to the aquatic habits of this genus. The epithet murinus (Latin, related to rodents) refers to rodents as one of the anaconda’s prey.
Order: Squamata: Serpentes | Family: Boidae
Scientific name: Eunectes murinus
Common name: Anaconda, güio
Conservation status: Least concern (LC)
Best season for anaconda: January to march
Description
This snake is solitary, active from day to night, non-venomous, and semi-aquatic. Anacondas forage using ambush techniques, and their diet is generalist, varying ontogenetically as they can hunt larger prey as they grow. Their prey includes birds (Jacana jacana), mammals such as capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina), peccaries (Pecari tajacu), tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), reptiles such as caimans and turtles, aquatic vertebrates, fish, domestic animals (livestock and dogs), and they can also scavenge and exhibit cannibalism (with juveniles being the most preyed upon).
Size
The anaconda is one of the largest snakes in the world, surpassed only by the reticulated python (Python reticulatus), which is longer. However, if considering the snake’s diameter and weight, the anaconda could be considered the largest snake in the world. Verified size records for the anaconda indicate a length of approximately 7 meters, although there are questionable reports of anacondas reaching 9 to 11 meters in length.
Color
Gray, olive-brown, or dusky brown back, with a series of circular green to dark brown spots along the body; sides with two to three rows of small cream-colored marks outlined in dark brown to black; large triangular head, darker than the rest of the body, with an orange stripe behind each eye; another black stripe beneath the orange stripes; grayish to yellowish cream belly with irregular dark markings; black tongue.
