*Top 22* Amazing Crocodile Facts!
Crocodiles are large, lizard-shaped reptiles with 4 short legs. They have a mouth full of sharp teeth that always show – even when their mouth is closed!
As unbelievable as it sounds, Crocodiles have been on Earth since the time of the dinosaurs!
Located on almost every continent, these large beasts can live in fresh or salt water. (Unlike Alligators who can only live in fresh water).
Read on to learn more amazing Crocodile facts!
1) Crocodiles are Reptiles
Crocodiles are Reptiles, which means that they are cold blooded, egg laying animals that are completely covered in scales.
Crocodile scales – which are called scutes – are made out of keratin. The scales on their back and upper tail also contain bone. As a result, the scales on a Crocodile’s back are larger than those on its sides.
Just like humans, Crocodiles breathe through their lungs. Therefore, they cannot breathe underwater.
2) There are 24 Crocodile Species
There are a whopping 24 species of Crocodiles! The most well-known Crocodile species are American, Saltwater, Nile, Gharial, and Cuban. In contrast, there are only 2 Alligator species – American and Chinese.
Crocodiles and Alligators are both part of a large group of reptiles called crocodilians. However, they are not the same species. Which means that they are not able to interbreed and produce offspring.
Strangely, Crocodiles are more closely related to birds than to lizards!
3) Crocodiles have been on Earth for millions of years!
Crocodiles and Dinosaurs lived on Earth 250 million years ago! They were both part of a group of reptiles called archosaurs. As mind boggling as this sounds, there is evidence that Crocodiles ate dinosaurs!
The earliest crocodilian (relatives of today’s crocodiles) began evolving 90 million years ago. They survived mass extinction, while dinosaurs did not. Possibly because they are very adaptable. Or because they can hibernate for several years.
Incredibly, Crocodiles have hardly changed since that time!
4) Crocodiles live on almost every Continent
Crocodiles live in warm, tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. In fact, they are found on every continent except Europe and Antarctica.
Crocodiles are cold blooded, which means that they need external heat sources to keep warm. When the temperature drops below 70 degrees, they don’t eat. When it drops below 55 degrees, they stop moving.
In contrast, Alligators only live in the southern United States and China. Unlike Crocodiles, they can live in temperatures as low as 45°F.
5) Crocodiles live in Fresh or Salt Water
Crocodiles live in rivers, estuaries, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps.
Amazingly, Crocodiles can live in both fresh and salt water. This is due to the fact that they have salt glands that expel sodium chloride. (In contrast, Alligators can only live in fresh water). Fun fact! Crocodiles that live in salt water are called “salties.”
In addition, Crocodiles can go a long time without drinking freshwater. This is because they get hydrated from the food they eat.
6) Crocodiles have a V-shaped Snout
Crocodiles have a narrow, pointed, V-shaped snout. This helps them catch fish and grip prey. Especially fast-moving prey in water.
In contrast, Alligators have a broad, round, U-shaped mouth. This helps them crush bones and shells (such as turtles) and swallow them whole.
Check out my Amazing Alligator Facts blog!
7) A Crocodile’s Teeth show when its Mouth is Closed
Crocodiles have pointed, cone shape teeth. When they close their mouth, their top and bottom teeth are still visible! In contrast, when an alligator closes its mouth, only its top teeth are still showing.
This is because a Crocodile’s upper and lower jaws are the same width; which allows its teeth to interlock. In contrast, an Alligator’s upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw. So its bottom teeth are hidden.
8) Crocodiles are Apex Predators
Crocodiles are Apex Predators, which means they are a predator at the top of a food chain. And they do not have any natural predators of their own.
Crocodiles stalk their prey from the water. When fish or land animals come close, they pounce. Some species use their tails to propel themselves out of the water to attack prey.
9) Crocodiles have a Strong Bite
Crocodiles have the strongest bite of any animal! Great White Sharks come in second.
Saltwater Crocodiles slam their jaws shut with 3,700 pounds per square inch. 16,460 newtons (3,689 pounds of force)
10) Crocodiles grow up to 23 feet long!
Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest living reptile and the largest crocodile species in the world! Males grow up to 23 feet and 2,205 pounds (1.1 tons).
In contrast, Dwarf Crocodiles are the smallest. They grow to a mere 6 feet long.
Check out my Madras Crocodile Bank Trust blog!
11) Crocodiles can run up to 10 miles per hour!
Crocodiles spend most of their time in water. However, they sometimes walk on land. They slide on their bellies or walk along with their short legs out to the side.
Some Crocodiles can run up to 10 miles per hour!
Crocodiles have short legs. Their webbed toes have sharp claws. They also have huge, strong tails.
12) Crocodiles and Alligators co-exist in the Everglades
The Everglades in southern Florida is the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist. The reason for this is because the Florida Bay fresh water meets the Gulf of Mexico salt water.
This amazing video shows the difference between an American Crocodile and an American Alligator in the Everglades!
Check out my Holland Bay American Crocodile Sanctuary blog!
13) American Crocodiles live in the Western Hemisphere
American Crocodiles live in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and south Florida.
They are small, have a long, narrow snout, and are not aggressive. In fact, they are reclusive and hide in coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps.
Sadly, there are only 20,000 American Crocodiles left in the wild.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
14) Saltwater Crocodiles live in India, Asia, and Australia
Over 200,000 Saltwater Crocodiles live in eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
They are the largest living reptile and the largest crocodile on Earth! They also have the distinction of being the most aggressive crocodile.
As if that wasn’t enough, Saltwater Crocodiles have the strongest bite force of any living animal. They use it to prey on fish, sharks, birds, and mammals, which they swallow whole.
In addition, Saltwater Crocodiles have a broad snout, a big head, and are excellent swimmers. They are pale yellow with black stripes when they are young. As they age, they become dark green.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
15) Nile Crocodiles live in Africa
Nile Crocodiles live in the freshwaters of the Nile Basin in sub-Saharan Africa. And in the rivers, streams, and mangroves of Madagascar.
The most dangerous crocodilian, Nile Crocodiles attack over 300 people a year! There are an 50,000-70,000 left in the wild.
In addition, Nile Crocodiles are large, averaging 16-20 feet long. They are bronze color and have a broad snout. They prefer fresh or brackish water.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
16) Gharial Crocodiles live in India and Nepal
Gharial Crocodiles live in the Chambal and Girwa Rivers in northern India. And in the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal.
They are easily recognizable because of their long, narrow snout and 110 sharp, interlocking teeth. Their long snout makes them good at catching fish, which is their main source of food. They lie motionless in the water waiting for fish to swim past
In addition, Gharial Crocodiles have webbed feet and a long, flattened tail, which makes them the most aquatic crocodile species. And they have a large growth at the end of their snout. It is called a ghara, which is Hindi for “mud pot.”
Sadly, Gharials are one of the most critically threatened crocodilians. There are only 650-1,000 left in the wild. There are 3 main reasons for this. 1) Habitat loss due to human encroachment. 2) Unsustainable fishing practices, and hunting.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
17) Cuban Crocodiles live in Cuba
As the name suggests, Cuban Crocodiles live in Cuba. They prefer freshwater swamps. So they can be found in Zapata Swamp in the southwest and Lanier Swamp on Isla de Juventud.
Cuban Crocodiles are easily recognizable because they are small, green and olive black colored, and have a broad snout. In addition, they are not aggressive.
Sadly, there are only 3,000-5,000 Cuban Crocodiles left in the wild.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered.
18) Crocodiles keep their Mouths open to Regulate their Body Temperature
Ever wonder why Crocodiles always have their mouth open? Contrary to popular belief, it is not because they are hoping that food accidentally flies in.
It has to do with the fact that Crocodiles are cold blooded reptiles. As a result, their body temperature is affected by outside factors. So the reasons they keep their mouths open is……. to regulate their body temperature.
Check out my Crocodiles of the World blog!
19) Saltwater and Nile Crocodiles are Aggressive
Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators. Saltwater and Nile crocodiles kill hundreds of people every year in Southeast Asia and Africa.
I think it is so sweet that the ancient Egyptians prayed to Sobek the Crocodile God that they would not get killed while crossing the Nile!
20) The Temperature of the Nest determines the Hatchling’s Sex
Crocodile mating season is February-March. The pregnant females digs a nest and lays 20-60 eggs. The incubation period is 85 days.
Amazingly, if the nest is in the sun the hatchlings will be male! But if the nest is in the shade they will be female.
21) Mother Crocodiles carry Newborns to the Water in their Mouths
When the time comes, crocodile hatchlings break themselves out of their eggs. Then their mother carries them to the water, where they are able to hunt and eat on their own immediately.
Check out my Criadero de Cocodrilos blog!
22) Several Crocodile Species are Critically Endangered
Tragically, there are several Crocodile species that are in danger of becoming extinct. Check out this amazing data compiled by Crocodiles of the World to learn more!
IUCN Red List Status of the 24 Crocodile Species
|
24 Crocodile Species |
IUCN Red List Status |
|---|---|
|
6 Critically Endangered |
Cuban, Gharial, Orinoco, Philippine, Siamese, and West African Slender Snouted |
|
1 Endangered |
Tomistoma |
|
3 Vulnerable |
American, Dwarf, and Mugger |
|
11 Lower Risk / Least Concern |
Black Caiman, Broad Snouted Caiman, Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman, Freshwater, Morelet’s, Nile, New Guinea, Saltwater, Schneider’s Dwarf, Spectacled Caiman, and Yacaré Caiman |
|
3 Not Yet Assessed |
Central African Slender Snouted, Hall’s, and West African Caiman |
Final Thoughts
Crocodiles have ruled Earth for millions of years, fierce, ancient, and endlessly fascinating. From their sharp teeth to the tender way mothers carry their young, these reptiles are a perfect balance of power and instinct.
If you enjoyed learning about crocodiles, share this post with a friend who loves wildlife and prehistoric creatures as much as you do!
If you enjoyed these crocodile facts, share this post with a friend who loves learning about wild and fascinating animals!
