King Cobra vs. Green Anaconda: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 13, 2023
King Cobra is a highly venomous snake prevalent in Asia, while the Green Anaconda, a non-venomous snake, is found in South America and is notably the heaviest snake in the world.
Key Differences
King Cobra and Green Anaconda exhibit unique attributes. The King Cobra, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannah, is renowned for its potent venom and its hood, which expands when the snake feels threatened. In contrast, the Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus, is well-known for its massive size and its semi-aquatic nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Both King Cobra and Green Anaconda have captivated humans for centuries, symbolizing various concepts in different cultures. While the King Cobra is often intertwined with Asian cultural and religious symbols, representing power and mysticism, the Green Anaconda is embedded in South American folklore and is sometimes associated with local myths and legends.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
When exploring habitats, the King Cobra prefers areas with lakes and streams, navigating through the forests of Southeast Asia and India. The Green Anaconda, however, predominantly resides in the swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in northern South America, reflecting their semi-aquatic predispositions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
The King Cobra preys mostly on other snakes, and occasionally on small vertebrates, leveraging its highly toxic venom to immobilize its prey. The Green Anaconda employs a drastically different strategy, relying on its immense size and strength to constrict and subdue its prey, which ranges from fish and birds to mammals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
While King Cobras are solitary creatures and exhibit oviparous reproduction, laying eggs that require incubation, Green Anacondas exhibit ovoviviparous reproduction, where offspring are born live. The King Cobra lays eggs in a nest and exhibits a rare parental trait of guarding them, while the Green Anaconda births live young, which are independent immediately upon birth.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Forests in India and Southeast Asia
Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America
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Nov 13, 2023
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Size
Up to 18 feet, typically around 13 feet
Up to 30 feet, commonly 10-20 feet
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Nov 13, 2023
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King Cobra and Green Anaconda Definitions
Green Anaconda
Non-Venomous
Despite its fearsome reputation, the Green Anaconda is non-venomous.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
King Cobra
Snake Eater
Uniquely, the King Cobra primarily preys on other snakes.
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Oct 10, 2023
Green Anaconda
Dappled Giant
The Green Anaconda can be recognized by its olive color and black blotches.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Green Anaconda
Hefty Constrictor
The Green Anaconda uses its massive body to constrict prey.
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Oct 10, 2023
King Cobra
Parental Snake
Female King Cobras are known to guard their eggs diligently.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Green Anaconda
Aquatic Predator
Primarily aquatic, Green Anacondas often hunt in water.
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Oct 10, 2023
King Cobra
Venomous Serpent
The King Cobra is one of the most venomous snakes in the world.
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Oct 10, 2023
Green Anaconda
Live Birth
Unlike many snakes, the Green Anaconda gives birth to live young.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Is the King Cobra the longest venomous snake?
Yes, it is the world's longest venomous snake.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
Where is the King Cobra found?
Primarily in forests throughout India and Southeast Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
What is the average length of a King Cobra?
They can grow up to 18 feet but average around 13 feet.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Are King Cobras endangered?
They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Where can Green Anacondas be found?
In the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
How do Green Anacondas reproduce?
They give birth to live young (ovoviviparous reproduction).
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
How does a King Cobra defend itself?
It expands its hood and can deliver a venomous bite.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
How does the King Cobra reproduce?
It is oviparous, laying eggs and often guards them.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Do Green Anacondas have predators?
Fully-grown anacondas have few natural predators, but young can be preyed upon by large birds, wild boars, or caimans.
Sara Rehman
Nov 13, 2023
How long can a Green Anaconda get?
It can grow up to 30 feet, but typically ranges from 10 to 20 feet.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
What is the diet of a Green Anaconda?
It eats a varied diet, including fish, birds, mammals, and occasionally reptiles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 13, 2023
What is the Green Anaconda’s primary habitat?
They primarily inhabit slow-moving rivers and swamps.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Is the Green Anaconda the heaviest snake?
Yes, it is considered the heaviest, although not the longest snake.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
