Petlavi reached lengths exceeding thirty feet and at least one specimen measured forty-five feet in length. Their thickest portions were over a foot wide, and they had been known to swallow a whole goat (using their distended jaws). The tables were turned when the petla confronted a group, as its methods of attack left it relatively defenseless if other foes were involved. For this reason, the snake would not often stand and fight when confronted by more than one enemy.