Green Anaconda
(Eunectes murinus)
Distribution
This species of Anaconda is relatively common in South America. Specimens can have a varying temperament to say the least. They are more active during the night time.
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you, it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same for them).
Size
Neonates tend to be between 42.5cm and 60cm (17” and 2 feet) at birth. As adults the males rarely exceed 2.7m (9ft), with females often exceeding 4.8m+ (16ft+) in length. As adults they hold the record for the largest (Heaviest) snake in the world. Specimens over 25ft have been reported so this should be taken into consideration when buying a youngster.
Diet
In the wild this species of boa feeds on a variety of prey, including; rodents, caiman, birds, iguanas, amphibians, and have been known to cannibalize if really hungry. In captivity a diet of appropriately sized rodents/rabbits/poultry will be fine. Whole (freshwater) fish can be given occasionally to add variety to the diet. Some specimens will only feed if they are in their water bath. It is essential to feed this snake using tongs and not hands.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red. Ceramic heaters can also be used. Thermostatically controlled heat mats are also a useful source of additional heat, although care should be taken as heat mats have also been linked to ventral scale problems with large boids.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - Although there is a lot of controversy regarding the use of UV supplementation regarding snakes, many herpetologists wouldn't be without one. It has therefore been included in this care sheet as a suggestion and the recommended type for snakes until further scientific research proves otherwise is a 2.0% UV light, which should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day. If you decide to use a UV with your snake, care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have detrimental effects on the eyes of your snake. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Housing: - This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage and adequate ventilation or vision cage is best. Although if space allows it a converted room is also possible. The enclosure must measure at least ¾ of the total length of the snake and be at least as wide as a 1/3 of the snakes total body length. This species is viviparous so keep single or in same sex pairs unless you wish to breed from them.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These should always be provided to prevent the animals from becoming stressed and exposed. Large plastic dog kennels, hollow cork bark tubes, empty card board boxes and purpose built hides are perfect. If possible plastic plants over part of the water container will provide an aquatic hide and aid with problem feeders. Care should be taken not to position hides near the main access point to the vivarium as this may cause accidental bites.
Temperature
The daytime temperatures should never be allowed to drop below 23.8°C (75F), so a background temperature of around 25°C (78°F) at the cool end is sufficient. A dry basking area must be provided this should reach temperatures of around 32°C (90°F). At night the temperatures may be allowed to drop to between 22 - 26°C (72 - 80°F)
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Humidity
This species requires constant high levels of humidity therefore the vivarium should be misted every other day. A humid hide containing Sphagnum moss is also well worth having in an anacondas vivarium.
A large water bowl should be provided, preferably covering a third of the vivarium due to the aquatic nature of the species. The water should be changed daily. An eye should be kept on the temperature of the water as if the temperature drops too low it could lead to respiratory infections.
Substrate
This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use, remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease. Bark mulch/Peat are also good options, as it aids in maintaining the humidity. If bark is used a separate feeding box is essential to prevent ingestion of substrate during feeding. Also if bark is used care must be taken to ensure that it is not pine or cedar. Due to the humidity in the enclosure moulds will develop fast on the substrate so regular cleaning is essential.
NB-Due to the potentially large size and unpredictable nature of this species it is not advised to maintain this species, except for experienced herpetologists. When handling large specimens a second handler is always advised to be present.
Map taken from A distribution map will be added as soon as one is located.
Further reading/Useful Contacts/Websites
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Spring99Projects/snake.htm - Good Anaconda Information.
Taxonomy Information -
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Eunectes_SP_murinus']
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
http://www.centralpets.com/php/search/storiesdisplay.php?Story=336
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/animals/anaconda.htm - a man eating anaconda hoax.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eunectes_murinus
http://pages.prodigy.net/anaconda/canib.htm - Information on reported cases of Cannabalism.
http://pages.prodigy.net/anaconda/strike.htm - Anaconda attacks?
http://www.nature.ca/NOTEBOOKS/ENGLISH/anaconda.htm
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eunectes_murinus.html - a good page on natural history of the anaconda.
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