Which viper is recognized as the heaviest viper species?

The Gaboon viper is recognized as the heaviest viper species.

Bitis gabonica is a large African viper with a thick body, a broad triangular head, and exceptionally long venom-injecting fangs. Adults can attain substantial mass, making the species the heaviest member of the viper family, Viperidae. Its patterned scales provide effective camouflage among fallen leaves on the forest floor.

The Gaboon viper is a sit-and-wait predator. It commonly remains motionless until prey, such as small mammals or birds, comes within striking range. Despite its size and powerful venom, it is generally secretive rather than actively aggressive.

It is sometimes confused with the rhinoceros viper, a closely related African species with prominent raised scales on its snout. The Gaboon viper itself may have small horn-like projections between the nostrils, but its most reliable identification features include its massive build, enormous head, and intricate geometric pattern.