The saltwater crocodile is the largest crocodile species on earth. It belongs to the most aggressive crocodile species. The saltwater crocodile has the unique ability to survive in both fresh and salt water. As a result, it can be found in all kinds of environments. The adults are usually found in salt water.
The saltwater crocodile has a very varied diet and eats reptiles, fish, and mammals, among other things. What else does he eat and where does this reptile come from? How big can a saltwater crocodile get?
Designation
The saltwater crocodile is sometimes referred to as a ‘saltwater crocodile’ or ‘crested crocodile’. In English, the reptile is best known as the ‘saltwater crocodile’. The scientific name for this animal is ‘Crocodylus porosus’.
Natural Habitat
This crocodile species is found in Northern Australia and South Asia. Here it can be found in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, among others. In India, it can be found largely on the east coast. It is very rare in other parts of India. On the continent of Australia, it is mainly found in the north and west.
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It swims in both fresh and salt water. Other crocodile species are only found in freshwater. The saltwater crocodile prefers rivers and swamps. These swamps can be located near rivers or on the coast.
The Offspring
Young saltwater crocodiles occur in fresh water. As these animals mature, they move to areas where the water has a higher salinity. This is usually downstream towards the coast.
Appearance
Its eyes and snout are located at the top of its head. This gives it the ability to stay submerged for the most part. Since its senses are above water, it can see, hear and smell its prey.
The Muzzle (Shape)
The snout of a saltwater crocodile is rounder in shape than that of freshwater crocodiles.
Scope
Saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodiles on earth and also the largest reptiles. The reptile can reach a length of more than 7 meters. Some specimens weigh more than a ton. The females are on average several meters smaller than the males. They are on average about 2 to 3 meters long.
The newborn offspring is about 30 centimeters long and weighs about 70 grams. This makes the difference between the size of an adult and the offspring enormous. The weight of the crocodiles increases exponentially as they grow taller.
Head and teeth
Its head is very large and can reach a maximum length of about 75 centimeters. It has strong jaws with an enormous bite force. Its jaws consist of no less than 15 rows of teeth in the lower jaw, 13 to 14 rows of teeth in the upper jaw, and 4 to 5 rows in the front of the upper jaw. In total, the reptile can have up to 68 teeth.
Diet
The saltwater crocodile has a very varied diet. It hunts all kinds of animals, namely birds, reptiles, insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals. They are very aggressive predators that can be very dangerous to humans who happen to be in close proximity. Usually, he provides an unexpected surprise attack, drowning his victim. Smaller prey (such as fish and insects) are swallowed in one go. Some animal species on his menu include turtles, crabs, wild pigs, and buffalo.
Digesting Food
The reptile sometimes swallows stones so that the food can be digested better. The stones that end up in his stomach ensure that the food is broken down into small pieces.
Locomotion
The saltwater crocodile is only fast over short distances. It can reach a maximum speed of 18 kilometers per hour. The saltwater crocodile is an excellent diver. Its strong muscles in its tail allow it to move quickly in the water. When diving, its nostrils are closed by muscles. His throat, meanwhile, is closed with a flap of flesh.
