That’s a tough one to answer as data is lacking regarding boids. The two major factors involved are size and temperature. Crocodilians rarely submerge for more than 10 minutes unless pressured. Under heavy exertion they are limited to about 15 or 20 minutes, and maybe a maximum of 30 minutes with a really large individual. Smaller crocs cannot hold their breath near as long as the larger ones. The 2 hour reference commonly seen for crocs is based on large individuals that are voluntarily submerging and going inactive in relatively cooler water, which is also helping to slow their metabolism. Large pythons may have similar capabilities, but probably not as good as crocs.



I have heard of large green anacondas resting submerged for up to an hour. I would not hesitate to say that larger anacondas can more than likely match anything the crocs can do considering their size and slow metabolism, even slower than the other larger python species. This is especially so when considering the anacondas have evolved to survive in a very similar aquatic environment as the crocs.



Kelly

[ Hide Replies ]

• odd question but important - mldolan, Fri Apr 11 07:39:06 2008
• RE: odd question but important - HappyHillbilly, Fri Apr 11 10:26:47 2008
• RE: odd question but important - laurarfl, Fri Apr 11 12:13:25 2008
• RE: odd question but important - Kelly_Haller, Sat Apr 12 16:15:16 2008
• RE: odd question but important - laurarfl, Sat Apr 12 20:25:56 2008
• I definitely agree with you, but....... - Kelly_Haller, Mon Apr 14 23:20:22 2008
• Interesting, thanks...np - laurarfl, Tue Apr 15 06:29:12 2008
• RE: odd question but important - mldolan, Sat Apr 19 10:58:36 2008