Paraguayan anaconda

Yellow anaconda

Eunectes notaeus

The yellow anaconda is ovoviviparous. The eggs are retained inside the mother’s body, where the embryos develop. The juveniles hatch whilst still in the womb and are then born alive.

Red List

Least Concern

The Paraguayan or yellow anaconda is a constrictor snake. It kills its prey by holding it in its jaws and crushing it with its long, muscular body. It is not venomous.

The yellow anaconda is significantly smaller and less dependent on water than its northern relative, the green anaconda. Nevertheless, it too is superbly adapted to life in the waters of the tropical rainforests. With a single breath, it can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes. When lying in wait for prey, often only its eyes and nostrils, situated high up, protrude from the water.

Generally speaking, very little is known about the behaviour and ecology of the Paraguayan anaconda. That said, successful breeding in terrariums has been achieved on several occasions.

Taxonomy

Boas (Boidae), anacondas (Eunectes, 4 species)

Habitat

Wetlands, slow-flowing watercourses, dense riparian vegetation

Behaviour and ecology

active both day and night, ground-dwelling

Diet

Fish, amphibians, turtles, caimans, birds and small mammals