Titanoboa Size: How Big Is Titanoboa?
Updated: October 25, 2022
© Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com
↓ Keep reading to watch this amazing video
No other snake alive today can match the size of the Titanoboa – thank goodness! Existing in the Paleocene period, this snake is unparalleled in size and weight. But just how big was Titanoboa, and how does its size compare to the size of some snakes living today?
In this article, we'll discuss the average length and weight of a titanic python. We'll also compare this ancient monster to other large snakes that exist today. Finally, we compare Titanoboa's size to that of an average human to give you a real sense of just how big this snake really is. let's start!
How big is Titanoboa?

©Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com
Titanoboa is very large – many scientists estimate that this snake can be up to 40-50 feet in length and weigh over 2500 lbs! Titanoboa fossils were first discovered in northern Colombia, where South America's first tropical rainforest was ever recorded. This makes Titanoboa unique in many different ways, not just its sheer size!
After analyzing the fossil record and the shape of the skull, many scientists agree that Titanoboa was primarily a fish eater. This means it eats fish as a staple food. This dietary shift compared to modern-day snakes makes sense, given that titanic pythons lived in humid and almost coastal rainforests.
Let's see how the giant Titanoboa compares to humans. We should also look at other large snakes.
Human and Titanoboa Size Comparison

©Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com
Given that the average human is 5-6 feet tall and weighs 150-200 pounds, the Titanoboa was about 8 times the size of an average human. This is an extreme size difference. Honestly, it's probably a good thing that Titanoboa prefers to eat fish over humans!
Another size comparison you can make of the Titanoboa is to an average full-size school bus. These buses you see on local roads are about the same size, if not shorter than the probable length of Titanoboa. Imagine a snake longer than a school bus. This is definitely not something you want to see on your morning commute!
Anaconda vs Titanoboa Size Comparison

©Holger Kirk/Shutterstock.com
Given that Titanoboa was one of the largest snakes that ever lived, how does Titanoboa's size compare to the size of a common anaconda? Both Titanoboa and anaconda are from the same family, known as the Bidae family. Many of the snakes in this family grew to be very large, but none could match the size of the Titanoboa.
The average python is 15 feet long and weighs over 500 pounds. However, this is only a fraction of the average size of a titanic python. The boa constrictor extends from the tip of the titanoboa's head to a quarter of its body. Obviously, the weight difference is also huge.
Given that pythons live in very similar environments to Titanoboa, their diets are also similar. Both boa constrictors and titanobobos eat aquatic life such as fish and turtles. However, the average size of fish today is very different from that of Paleocene fish! These ancient fish were much larger than modern fish, especially considering that they were the main food source for the school bus-sized snake.
Mesh Python vs. Titanboa size comparison

© Opayaza12/Shutterstock.com
Reticulated pythons belong to the python family, but that doesn't mean they're small snakes. Quite the opposite in fact, making them ideal comparisons for the size of the ancient and mighty Titanoboa.
The average reticulated python is 5-20 feet in length and weighs over 150 pounds, if not more. Although the reticulated python is not as large as the Titanoboa, there are some similarities between them.
For example, titanic pythons and reticulated pythons both live in tropical rainforests and moist habitats. There have been reports that reticulated pythons could swim great distances and inhabit islands by themselves without human intervention, and if Titanoboa were alive today, it would likely do the same.
Given their aquatic habitat, both species of snakes also like to eat fish. However, despite being listed as the longest snake in the world, the Titanoboa is still considerably larger than the reticulated python. The largest boa constrictor is only about half the length of the average Titanoboa, and the weight varies enormously!
'Monster' snake 5 times bigger than a boa constrictor discovered
AZ Animals delivers some of the world's most incredible facts every day in our free newsletter. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" that's never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake that's 5 times the size of a python? Then sign up now and you will start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free.
Next:
- Saw an alligator biting an electric eel with 860 volts
- The 15 Deepest Lakes in America
- Watch rare coyotes and bobcats now
More from AZ Animals
featured image

© Michael Rosskothen/Shutterstock.com
about the author
august croft
I am a non-binary freelance writer working full time in Oregon. A graduate of Southern Oregon University with a BA in Theater and a major in Creative Writing, I have an interest in a variety of topics, especially the history of the Pacific Northwest. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping on the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my family's kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast-iron skillet.
Thanks for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the 10hunting.com editorial team.