Why's does it look ummm short? Maybe stubby? I don't k ow the word im looking for but most snakes are long and thin he seems squished and chunky, don't come at me please im truly interested as to why he isn't long
They are ambush predators & being built like a brick shithouse is better for that style of hunting. They aren't really fat, it is mostly muscle.
From google,
"Gaboon vipers are short and fat because this physical trait aids in their ambush hunting strategy by providing excellent camouflage among leaf litter on the forest floor, helping them to remain still for long periods to surprise prey. Their heavy, stocky build also supports a unique, slow form of rectilinear movement, using their belly muscles to inch along rather than slithering, which is effective for their sedentary, ambush-based lifestyle."
That chonks all muscle, which gives it an incredibly fast strike speed.
I don't know if there's an official ranking, but it's commonly (though probably falsely) named as the fastest snake bite in the world. Even if not first, it's up there.
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u/Extension_Benefit521 4d ago
Why's does it look ummm short? Maybe stubby? I don't k ow the word im looking for but most snakes are long and thin he seems squished and chunky, don't come at me please im truly interested as to why he isn't long