Brazilian Rainbow boa’s (Epicrates cenchira) are one of the most recognizable and sought after neotropical boa species. As the name would suggest they originate from Brazil and get the name “Rainbow Boa” from the amazing iridescent sheen to their scales. They are much more slender then most of the more commonly seen boa species and are more arboreal in behaviour. In the wild they would spend time resting in elevated hollows in trees as well as on the ground. They are also capable swimmers and have been recorded in aquatic environments in the wild. When provided with a large water bowl in captivity they may choose to spend some of their time sat almost completely submerged in the water throughout the day. In the wild they would hunt mostly at night where they would prey on small mammals and sleeping birds. In captivity once the young are established, they are good feeders and will take both rodents and chicks with gusto. There is a notable size difference between males and females when adult, males typically only grow to up to around 5 feet whereas a large female could potentially reach nearly 7 feet although 6 feet is more common. The young are sometimes a bit defensive when small but with regular handling they are placid and well-mannered adults popular with both novice and advanced keepers.