The reticulated python can reach over 7 metres — longer than a giraffe is tall — making it the world's longest snake species.
Quick answer: 1. Reticulated Python, 2. Green Anaconda, 3. Amethystine Python, 4. Indian Python, 5. Burmese Python, 6. King Cobra, 7. African Rock Python, 8. Yellow Anaconda, 9. Boa Constrictor, 10. Papuan Python.
From the vine-thin threadsnake to the colossal anaconda, snakes span an extraordinary range of sizes. The longest species are constrictors that can overpower prey as large as deer and caimans, with a few reliably documented individuals exceeding 6 metres. This list ranks the world's longest snake species by their maximum reliably recorded length. While unverified claims of even larger specimens circulate, the numbers here are drawn from the best available scientific documentation — museum specimens, field studies, and captive records.
The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the world's longest snake species, with the largest reliably documented specimen measuring 7.67 metres. Native to Southeast Asia, these powerful constrictors are known for their striking geometric pattern.
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the heaviest snake species in the world and the second longest. The largest reliably measured specimen reached 5.21 metres, though unverified claims of much larger individuals persist. Found in South American rivers and swamps, it can weigh over 200 kg.
The amethystine python (Simalia amethistina), also known as the scrub python, is Australia's longest snake species. The largest reliably recorded specimen measured 5.0 metres. It inhabits rainforests and woodlands in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
The Indian python (Python molurus) is a large constrictor native to the Indian subcontinent. The largest reliably measured specimen reached 4.6 metres. It has a distinctive pale colouration compared to the Burmese python and is listed as near-threatened due to habitat loss.
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the largest snake species in the world, with a maximum reliably recorded length of 4.5 metres. Native to Southeast Asia, it has become an invasive species in the Florida Everglades, where some individuals have been found at the upper end of the size range.
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest venomous snake, reaching a maximum recorded length of 4.34 metres. Found across South and Southeast Asia, it is a specialised snake-eater and delivers a potent neurotoxic venom.
The African rock python (Python sebae) is Africa's largest snake species, with a maximum reliably recorded length of 4.3 metres. It is found across sub-Saharan Africa in savannas and near water sources, and is known for its aggressive temperament.
The yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) is a large South American constrictor, smaller than its green cousin but still impressive at a maximum recorded length of 4.0 metres. It inhabits swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers in the Paraguay River basin.
The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a well-known constrictor species from Central and South America. The largest reliably recorded specimen reached 3.9 metres. Boas inhabit a wide range of environments from rainforests to semi-arid scrublands.
The Papuan python (Apodora papuana) is a large python found in Papua New Guinea. The largest reliably recorded specimen measured 3.8 metres. It is one of the least studied large pythons, with most size data coming from a few museum specimens.
| # | Name | Scientific name | Maximum recorded length | Average length | Weight (max) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reticulated Python | Malayopython reticulatus | 7.67 m | 3–6 m | ~158 kg | Southeast Asia |
| 2 | Green Anaconda | Eunectes murinus | 5.21 m | 3–4.5 m | ~227 kg | South America |
| 3 | Amethystine Python | Simalia amethistina | 5.0 m | 3–4.5 m | ~30 kg | Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia |
| 4 | Indian Python | Python molurus | 4.6 m | 2.5–4 m | ~90 kg | Indian subcontinent |
| 5 | Burmese Python | Python bivittatus | 4.5 m | 2.5–4 m | ~80 kg | Southeast Asia (introduced in Florida) |
| 6 | King Cobra | Ophiophagus hannah | 4.34 m | 3–4 m | ~12 kg | South and Southeast Asia |
| 7 | African Rock Python | Python sebae | 4.3 m | 2.5–4 m | ~70 kg | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| 8 | Yellow Anaconda | Eunectes notaeus | 4.0 m | 2.5–3.5 m | ~55 kg | South America |
| 9 | Boa Constrictor | Boa constrictor | 3.9 m | 2–3 m | ~45 kg | Central and South America |
| 10 | Papuan Python | Apodora papuana | 3.8 m | 2.5–3.5 m | ~22 kg | Papua New Guinea |
Snake species are ranked by their maximum reliably recorded total body length in metres, measured from snout to tail tip. Rankings are based on documented specimens in scientific literature, museum collections, or verified field studies. Unverified reports, anecdotal claims, and hearsay are excluded. Species with similar maximum lengths are ordered by the robustness of the evidence. The metric is the maximum recorded length, not the average; the values in this list represent the outer limit each species has been confirmed to reach.
The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is the world's longest snake species, with a maximum reliably documented length of 7.67 metres.
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the heaviest snake species, reaching weights of over 200 kg, though it is typically shorter than the reticulated python.
No snake species has been scientifically verified at over 10 metres. Historical claims of 10+ metre snakes are considered exaggerations or misidentifications. The largest reliably documented snake of any species is the 7.67-metre reticulated python.
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake, with a maximum recorded length of 4.34 metres.