Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Titanoboa could reach lengths of up to 12.8 meters (42 feet), and potentially even as long as 14.3 meters (47 feet), with a weight ranging from 730 to 1,135 kilograms (1,610 to 2,500 pounds). The discovery of Titanoboa cerrejonensis surpassed the previous record holder, Gigantophis garstini, a snake from the Eocene of Egypt, setting a new benchmark for giant serpents.
In 2024, Vasuki indicus was described as a new genus and species of madtsoiid snake, based on fossil remains. The genus name, Vasuki, is derived from the divine serpent of Hindu mythology, while the specific name, indicus, acknowledges the country of origin, India, where the fossils were uncovered. Vasuki is estimated to have reached lengths between 10.9 and 15.2 meters (36 to 50 feet), making it the largest known madtsoiid snake. The upper length estimates place Vasuki as potentially the longest snake ever discovered, surpassing even Titanoboa in size.
Titanoboa could reach lengths of up to 12.8 meters (42 feet), and potentially even as long as 14.3 meters (47 feet), with a weight ranging from 730 to 1,135 kilograms (1,610 to 2,500 pounds). The discovery of Titanoboa cerrejonensis surpassed the previous record holder, Gigantophis garstini, a snake from the Eocene of Egypt, setting a new benchmark for giant serpents.
In 2024, Vasuki indicus was described as a new genus and species of madtsoiid snake, based on fossil remains. The genus name, Vasuki, is derived from the divine serpent of Hindu mythology, while the specific name, indicus, acknowledges the country of origin, India, where the fossils were uncovered. Vasuki is estimated to have reached lengths between 10.9 and 15.2 meters (36 to 50 feet), making it the largest known madtsoiid snake. The upper length estimates place Vasuki as potentially the longest snake ever discovered, surpassing even Titanoboa in size.
