The study found that anacondas reached their maximum size 12.4 million years ago and have remained giants ever since. (Andres Alfonso-Rojas via SWNS)

By Stephen Beech

Anacondas have been giants of the animal world for over 12 million years, reveals new research.

Analysis of fossils from South America shows that the tropical snakes reached their maximum size 12.4 million years ago - and have remained massive ever since.

Anacondas are among the world's largest living snakes.

They can grow up to 30 feet (nine meters) long and weigh up to 550 pounds (250kilos), although most adults are smaller at around 16 feet (five meters) in length.

Lead researcher Andrés Alfonso-Rojas loves working with living snakes as well as fossils. (University of Cambridge via SWNS) By Talker

The Universit

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