Anaconda

Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), a large South American water-snake of the Python family, closely related to the boa-constrictor. The upper part of the front of the head is armed with shield-like plates, replaced by scales farther back. The minute vertical nostrils at the end of the snout can be entirely closed, a fact in association with the aquatic habit of the animal. In size it is hardly exceeded, unless by the pythons, as some specimens have measured from 25 to 30 feet in length. The general colour of the adult is blackish green, with rows of spots along the back and sides. Traces of the hind-legs can be detected. The anaconda is ovoviviparous. It is found in the rivers of Guiana and Brazil, swimming like an eel, or floating with the stream, or lying in wait by the bank for the agoutis, pacas, capybaras, ant-eaters, iguanas, &c. on which it feeds. It is comparatively helpless on land, and is then often killed. The skin is used for making boots and bags, the fat is also utilised, and the flesh is sometimes eaten. See BOA CONSTRICTOR, and PYTHON.