The green anaconda is truly enormous. This giant of the reptile world can grow more than 9m long and 30cm in diameter, with some individuals weighing more than 250kg, making it the heaviest and one of the largest snakes on the planet.
These semi-aquatic snakes live in wetland areas, mainly in northern South America, where they hunt a range of animals, including turtles, caimans, capybara, birds, deer and feral pigs.
Green anacondas are one of the world's most formidable-looking apex predators, as this gallery of incredible photos shows.
A green anaconda wraps itself around a caiman. Credit: GettyThese huge snakes spend much of their time submerged in water. Here, a particularly large individual can be seen clinging to a branch in the Rio Formoso in Brazil. Credit: GettyGreen anacondas are sensitive to vibrations, which they use to help find prey. Credit: GettyThese reptiles are not venomous. Credit: GettyFemale green anacondas are larger than males. Credit: GettyOlive green with black spots, these snakes are well camouflaged against a backdrop of forest vegetation. Credit: GettyGreen anacondas live mainly in tropical rainforests, spending much of their time in shallow, slow-moving water. Credit: GettyGreen anacondas poke their tongues out to pick up scents. Credit: GettyThey can survive weeks without eating. Credit: GettyGreen anacondas can hold their breath for around 10 minutes. Credit: Getty
Top image: Green anaconda in the Rio Formoso, Brazil. Credit: Getty
More amazing wildlife galleries from around the world
