DISTRIBUTION: There are two species and a subspecies of Anaconda that are commonly kept in captivity. The Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus. The Yellow / Paraguayan Anaconda, Eunectes notaeus, and the subspecies of Yellow Anaconda; Deschauensee’s Anaconda, Eunectes deschauenseei. They are found in rainforests and swamp areas on Trinidad and throughout most of tropical South America; east of the Andes mountain range, from Venezuela to Bolivia and northern Paraguay.
LENGTH: Female ‘Greens’ have the potential to grow to lengths of 20ft +. Males are typically 8-9ft, a male over 10ft is rare. ‘Yellows’ average between 8 to 12ft, females again, being larger. ‘Greens’ are a heavier bodied animal compared with ‘yellows’, which tend to be quite slender snakes.
LONGEVITY: If kept under optimum conditions Anacondas can live between 20-30 years.
SEX DIFFERENCES: The only 100% way of identifying male from female is a blood test, but it is possible to determine the sex of a snake using secondary characteristics; males have more pronounced spurs than females. Generally the male’s tail is more slender, that taper gradually from a wider base, female’s tail tends to be quite short, that tapers more abruptly from a relatively narrower base. Overall females are generally longer and are usually more robust in form. Probing is another method of sex determination, should only be carried out by experienced individuals.
VIVARIUM SIZE: Being an extremely large constrictor adult specimens are going to require a spacious enclosure. A single fully- grown ‘Green’ can be housed in an enclosure 6ft * 4ft* 3ft or larger. Single fully-grown ‘yellows’ can be housed in a
4ft * 3ft *2ft (or there abouts). Hatchling can be raised in ‘geo’ tubs then moved in to a vivarium when 1-2ft long.
SUBSTRATE: Naturerep Jungle Substrate can be used, as it looks natural. Shredded paper can also be used, as it is absorbent, cheap to replace and readily available. Naturerep Terrarium Moss can be used to maintain the humidity.
TEMPERATURE: 34 degrees centigrade (92F) at the hot spot and 25 degrees centigrade (76F) at the cool end. Although Anacondas can tolerate lower temperatures the temperatures above are recommended. All heat sources are to be thermostatically controlled and guarded to avoid the animal getting burnt. A 2.0 UVB light can be used to provide a photoperiod, this is to be left on 8 – 12 hours a day.
HABITAT: Anacondas is such a large terrestrial species, it is difficult to provide cage furniture as it is easily moved around the enclosure. In large ‘Zoo style’ enclosure this is possible using large boulder like rocks and tree trunks in secure positions. Being a semi-aquatic species Anacondas do require a large water source, large enough for the animal/ s to get in to. Small ponds are often used to cater for the Anaconda’s water supply. The water will be need to cleaned on a daily basis, as it will be used frequently.
HUMIDITY: As this species originates form the rain forests and swamps of South America, the humidity levels are quite high, about 70 – 80%. The high humidity will aid the snake in sloughing a will stimulate feeding responses.
FEEDING: A wild Anaconda’s diet is extremely varied, they are opportunistic feeders and will consume anything! A variety of prey items can be offered; Mice, Rats, Rabbits and Poultry. These foods are available in various sizes, it is not recommended to offer your snake prey items larger than the thickest part of the snake’s body. Avoid feeding snakes chicks, as there isn’t much nutritional value in them. Always use forceps or feeding tongs when feeding large snakes, as they are very quick and powerful when they strike. Food, depending on the size, can be offered every 7-10 days.
INFO: Anacondas with their eventual size and nervous disposition is not a species for the inexperienced keeper. This species can be extremely aggressive. When disturbed they will not hesitate to bite and will do so at an alarming speed, do not be fooled by there sluggish appearance! Due to their power and size they can inflict a painful bite and large specimen is quite capable of constricting an adult human. For this reason when handling a large Anaconda, it is recommended to have other handlers present, for safety. With regular handling an individual will settle down, but this will take time, patience and a well-stocked first aid box! If young snakes are handled correctly on a regular basis they will grow to become well tempered, but be aware even tame snakes have off days?
Anacondas are very attractive snakes, but due to their size and nature they are best left to keepers with experience.
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