Anaconda vs. Python: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 29, 2024
Anacondas are large, non-venomous snakes found in South America, known for their aquatic habitat and size, while pythons are a family of constrictor snakes found across Asia, Africa, and Australia, varying greatly in size.
Key Differences
Anacondas are part of the boa family, primarily found in South America's tropical rainforests. They are known for being one of the world's largest snakes by weight. Pythons, belonging to the Pythonidae family, are found in diverse habitats across Asia, Africa, and Australia, and include some of the world’s longest snakes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
The habitat of an anaconda is usually near water bodies, as they are excellent swimmers and rely on water for hunting and locomotion. In contrast, pythons inhabit a variety of environments, from rainforests to grasslands, and have adapted to both arboreal and terrestrial lifestyles.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Anacondas give birth to live young, a trait unusual among large snakes. Pythons, however, lay eggs and are known for their maternal care, with some species incubating their eggs until they hatch.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
In terms of diet and hunting methods, both anacondas and pythons are constrictors, meaning they suffocate their prey before consumption. Anacondas typically prey on large rodents, fish, and even caimans, while pythons’ diets are diverse, ranging from small mammals to birds, depending on the species and habitat.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Anacondas have a notorious reputation, often exaggerated in popular media for their size and perceived danger to humans. Pythons, while also subjected to similar sensationalism, are more commonly kept as pets, especially smaller species like the ball python.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Habitat
Aquatic environments in South America
Diverse: Asia, Africa, Australia
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Diet and Hunting
Fish, large rodents, caimans
Small mammals, birds, varying by species
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Anaconda and Python Definitions
Anaconda
An anaconda is a large, non-venomous snake found in South America.
The anaconda is often found in the Amazon rainforest.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Python
Pythons are known for their diverse size range, from small to extremely long.
The reticulated python is one of the longest snake species in the world.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Anaconda
Anacondas are known for their aquatic habitat and impressive size.
Anacondas use water bodies for camouflage and hunting.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Python
Pythons are found across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
The African rock python is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Anaconda
Anacondas have a thick, muscular body adapted to their aquatic lifestyle.
The anaconda's powerful body allows it to navigate and hunt in water.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Python
A python is a non-venomous constrictor snake from the Pythonidae family.
Pythons are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Anaconda
Anacondas belong to the boa family.
As a member of the boa family, anacondas are constrictors.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Python
Greek Mythology A dragon or serpent that was the tutelary demon of the oracular cult at Delphi until killed and expropriated by Apollo.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Anaconda
Anacondas give birth to live young, unlike most large snakes.
The female anaconda can give birth to several dozen offspring.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Anaconda
Any of several nonvenomous, semiaquatic snakes of the genus Eunectes of tropical South America that kill by coiling around their prey, especially E. murinus, which can attain a length of up to 9 meters (29.5 feet).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Anaconda
Any of various large nonvenomous snakes of the genus Eunectes, found mainly in northern South America. 19
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Python
Any of various nonvenomous snakes of the family Pythonidae, found chiefly in Asia, Africa, and Australia, that coil around and asphyxiate their prey. Some pythons can attain lengths of 8 meters (26 feet) or more.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Anaconda
A large South American snake of the Boa family (Eunectes murinus), which lives near rivers, and preys on birds and small mammals. The name is also applied to a similar large serpent (Python tigris) of Ceylon.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Python
Any species of very large snakes of the genus Python, and allied genera, of the family Pythonidæ. They are nearly allied to the boas. Called also rock snake.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Python
Pythons lay eggs and exhibit maternal care, such as incubating eggs.
Female pythons wrap around their eggs to provide warmth and protection.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Python
Some python species are popular in the pet trade, like the ball python.
Ball pythons are known for their docile nature, making them popular pets.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 20, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are anacondas dangerous to humans?
While powerful, anacondas are not typically a threat to humans unless provoked.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What do anacondas eat?
Anacondas prey on fish, birds, and even larger mammals like caimans.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is an anaconda?
An anaconda is a large, non-venomous snake native to South America.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What do pythons eat?
Pythons eat a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How long can pythons grow?
Some python species, like the reticulated python, can grow over 20 feet long.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Where do anacondas live?
Anacondas live in aquatic environments, primarily in the Amazon Basin.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How large can an anaconda get?
Anacondas can grow to be among the largest snakes in the world by weight.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is a python?
A python is a large, non-venomous constrictor snake from the Pythonidae family.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Where are pythons found?
Pythons are found in diverse regions across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Do pythons lay eggs?
Yes, pythons are egg-laying snakes and some species exhibit maternal care.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are pythons aggressive?
Pythons are generally not aggressive to humans unless threatened or provoked.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Do anacondas have any natural predators?
Anacondas have few natural predators due to their size, but young ones may be preyed upon.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How do anacondas hunt?
Anacondas hunt by constricting their prey, suffocating it before consumption.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What differentiates pythons from other snakes?
Pythons are distinguished by their size, constricting ability, and egg-laying behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the lifespan of a python?
Pythons can live for many years, often over 20 years in captivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can anacondas swim?
Yes, anacondas are excellent swimmers and often hunt in water.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Do anacondas live in groups?
Anacondas are typically solitary, except during mating season.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Do pythons have any unique characteristics?
Pythons are known for their diverse habitats and the maternal care some species provide.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can pythons be kept as pets?
Some python species, like the ball python, are commonly kept as pets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
