Four Species of Anacondas

Green Anaconda

Green anacondas are one of the largest snakes in the world, according to the National Geographic website. This species typically weighs up to 550 lbs. and measures between 20 to 33 feet long. Green anacondas are dark green in color with alternating black spots. These snakes are found in South and Central America where they live in rivers, swamps, marshes streams and lakes in the tropical rainforest. Green anacondas are carnivores and feed primarily on reptiles, birds, fish and large mammals such as deer and pigs. This species typically lives about 10 to 30 years.

Yellow anacondas are smaller than green anacondas. This species typically grows about 7 to 10 feet long. Yellow anacondas have yellow scales and dark brown and black spots. Yellow anacondas can be found in rivers and streams in the tropical rainforest of South America. This species feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, fish and other reptiles. Although anacondas spend more of their time in the water, the yellow anaconda spends more time in trees than the other species, according to the Oakland Zoo website. This species typically lives about 15 to 20 years.

The Deschauensee's anaconda is smaller than the yellow anaconda and ranges from 6 to 8 feet long. This species is not as common as the yellow or green anaconda, and information on the snake is limited. It is mostly found in swampy areas on the island of Marajo in Brazil, near the mouth of the Amazon river, and in wetlands of French Guiana. In captivity, this species is reported to live at least 17 years. The Deschauensee's anaconda feeds primarily on fish, mammals and birds.

The Beni anaconda, also known as the Bolivian anaconda, is also less common than the yellow and green anacondas, and is not well studied. This species is very similar in appearance to the green anaconda, and is generally the same size and length, according to Govpulse website. This snake has brown to olive-brownish skin with dark spots on its sides. The Beni anaconda is found in the Itenez-Guapore River of Bolivia, where it feeds primarily on birds, fish and small mammals.