The most beautiful crocodile. The largest crocodile. Strong and ruthless
It's not surprising that people are afraid of crocodiles. These predatory reptiles have lived on our Earth for the last 83.5 million years. In addition, crocodiles can be classified as the worst cannibals in the world. Crocodiles native to the Nile are responsible for more deaths than any other predator that attacks humans.
Due to the danger that these predators possess, as well as their long-term history, we decided to present to your attention a rating of the largest crocodiles that live on our Earth at this moment in time.
The largest crocodile in the world
African narrow-snouted crocodile
An adult African narrow-snouted crocodile is about 3.3 meters long and weighs about 200 kg. These reptiles have exceptionally sharp teeth, as well as a tendency to be aggressive towards people, which is why some African tribes try to avoid rivers. In general, the main diet of these crocodiles consists of fish, snakes and amphibians.
Gharial crocodile
The gharial crocodile grows on average up to 4 meters, and their weight is up to 210 kg. Female crocodiles are usually much smaller than males; But in 2008, in Kalimantan, a female gharial crocodile was killed and eaten and, remarkably, the length of the predator was more than 4 meters.
Swamp crocodile
On average, marsh crocodiles grow up to 3.3 meters and weigh about 225 kg. These predatory reptiles prefer to hunt from ambushes. They hide for a long time in muddy water and wait for prey, then, choosing the right moment, attack it and drag it under water. Next, the crocodile can only wait until the victim suffocates in the water. People also know of cases where swamp crocodiles hunted on the ground, near hidden forest paths.
Mississippi alligator
Mississippi alligators, on average, are about 3.4 meters long and weigh 240 kilograms. People have repeatedly managed to see giants whose length reached 5.3 m.
These reptiles have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, with an approximate force of 9,452 Newtons. But what makes Mississippi alligators vulnerable is their very weak jaw opening muscles.
Gangetic gharial
Ghanaian gharials average 4.5 meters in length, with some specimens reaching 6.25 meters, making them one of the longest crocodiles in the world. But with such a huge length, these reptiles weigh only up to 250 kg. They are also one of the most endangered crocodile species, with only about 235 left in the wild.
Sharp-snouted American crocodile
This is the fifth representative of our list of the largest crocodiles in the world. Sharp-snouted American crocodiles are about 4 meters long and weigh an average of 335 kg. These predatory reptiles can move at speeds of about 10 miles per hour on land and 20 miles per hour in water. This is one of the most dangerous possibilities of crocodiles when attacking a person.
Black caiman
The average length of a black caiman is about 3.9 meters and its weight is 350 kg. Black caimans often hunt dangerous prey such as piranhas and anacondas. There are not too many references in the world to the attacks of these crocodiles on people, but nevertheless they still remain one of the most dangerous.
Orinoco crocodile
The Orino crocodile is an endangered reptile species that can only be found in Colombia and Venezuela. On average, adult individuals grow up to 4.1 meters in length and weigh 380 kg, but there are individuals that weigh more and are longer. In the 20th century, they were actively hunted.
Nile crocodile
The Nile crocodile is the second largest species of crocodile in the world. Their length reaches about 4.2 meters, and their average weight is 410 kg. Nile crocodiles are aggressive and opportunistic predators. Every year, about 275-745 attacks on people are recorded annually, and 63% of which were fatal.
Saltwater crocodile
Saltwater or saltwater crocodile - largest crocodile in the world. Their average length is about 4.5 meters, and their weight is 450 kg. These largest reptiles in the world live in salty waters. Some people have reported seeing saltwater crocodiles that were up to 6.7 meters long and weighed around 1,000 kg. Saltwater crocodiles attack people less frequently than Nile crocodiles. But everyone remembers the story of how saltwater crocodiles killed about 400 Japanese soldiers in 1945 as they retreated from the battlefield through the swamps.
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The saltwater crocodile is the most dangerous reptile in the world. He was worshiped and feared at all times. “King of reptiles”, “thunderstorm of all living things” - all this is also said about him. Officially, he is also the largest crocodile in the world. What's special about it?
Habitat
The territory over which the reptile dominates is quite vast. These are the coastal zones of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as eastern India, Asia, the central part of Vietnam, Indonesia, New Guinea, and northern Australia. Due to the fact that the largest crocodile on earth is a good swimmer, it is found in both Japan and the Philippines.
It can live in both river and sea water, and often competes with sharks in the ocean when searching for food.
The reptile chooses deep and quiet places. Typically these are seashores, grassy estuary plains, or tropical savannas.
The struggle for the best territories is constant, and merciless battles are far from uncommon. Losing individuals go in search of new places, and often swim out to the open sea.
External description
The reptile got its name from the presence of two ridges on its head, which start from the very eyes and stretch in a stripe to the end of the muzzle. Such convex formations appear in individuals already in adulthood; they are absent in young animals.
The combed crocodile has a rather massive body, which is covered with small oval-shaped scales. Also, when describing the reptile, it is worth noting a very large head with a long muzzle, a powerful and strong tail, and well-developed legs. There are five webbed toes on the front ones, and only four on the back ones. The body of a crocodile is fully adapted for life in water.
The reptile's jaws are also impressive. Small but very sharp teeth are clearly visible in the mouth, bringing death to all living things. Usually there are from 54 to 68 pieces, which can change up to 100 times throughout life. But the jaw muscles are not equally developed. In particular, those responsible for opening the mouth are very weak. However, the animal does not experience any particular inconvenience from this. The muscles responsible for closing work instantly; it is impossible for someone else to open them by force.
The saltwater crocodile has excellent eyesight. Sees well both on land and in water. When immersed, the eyes are automatically covered by a protective membrane. However, the most developed sense is hearing. The animal is able to recognize even a slight rustle.
The largest crocodiles in the world change their color throughout their lives. Juveniles are usually lighter, yellow-brown in color with almost black spots and stripes. Adult reptiles become darker, with noticeable gray and brown areas. The animal's belly is always yellow-white or ashen.
Size and age
The parameters of this type deserve special attention. The question often comes up about what size are the largest crocodiles in the world. In answering this, it is worth noting that a lot depends on age, since an individual does not stop growing throughout its life.
Males are much larger than females. They can reach 7 m in length and weigh up to 1500 kg. However, they generally grow to 4-5.5 m with a body weight of 600-1000 kg. It is worth noting that saltwater crocodiles of the same size can have different weights (depending on age). For example, old males, occupying the best territories and having good nutrition, will be much heavier than their young relatives.
Female reptiles are significantly smaller. They reach a length of 3.5 m and weigh up to 500 kg.
In 2011, the largest crocodile in the world was caught in the Philippines, but died due to improper captivity. With a body weight of 1075 kg, he grew to 6.1 m.
On average, a saltwater crocodile lives 80-100 years. However, nowadays it is very difficult to meet an animal even older than 50 years due to its extermination by humans.
Nutrition
The reptile is a predator. Its diet consists of fish, birds, amphibians and insects. Growing up, they already hunt deer, monkeys, wild boars, turtles, and snakes. They are also attracted to livestock: cows, goats, sheep, horses and donkeys. The saltwater crocodile can also eat its smaller relatives, as well as animals such as the tiger, buffalo and leopard. The person also becomes a victim. However, the reptile's diet greatly depends on the area where it lives.
The world's largest crocodile goes hunting in the evening or morning twilight. It waits for potential prey in the water. At the same time, it is practically invisible on the surface, only the nostrils, eyes and a little of the back. The attack is always unexpected. Jumping onto land, the reptile grabs its prey, knocks it down with its tail and goes back into the pond with it. But with large fish, the crocodile, on the contrary, comes to land.
Its jaws are so strong that it can crush the shell of a turtle or break the skull of a large animal. Only the largest crocodile in the world is capable of this.
The largest crocodile, however, does not know how to chew; on land, it uses its jaws to crush the animal’s carcass and swallow it in parts. He can leave a large victim at the bottom of the reservoir so that it becomes soft. It is worth noting that this reptile eats carrion extremely rarely.
In one meal, up to a quarter of the hunter's weight can be swallowed. In this case, most of it goes into fat. This feature helps to survive long-term fasting (up to 1.5 years).
The saltwater crocodile itself has no enemies, with the exception of humans. Its meat is edible.
Reproduction
The female reaches sexual maturity by 10 years, growing up to 2-2.5 m, males only by 16, reaching 3.2 m in length.
Breeding occurs during the rainy season, from March to November. The female digs a hole and lays from 20 to 90 eggs in it, then fills it with a mixture of earth, leaves, dirt and branches, forming a hill of impressive size - 50 cm in height and up to 1.8 m in diameter. Every year a new nest is dug, but the breeding site does not change.
After 80-98 days, the cubs are born. If the egg was constantly maintained at a temperature of 31-32 degrees, then males are born, if lower or higher, then females. All this time the expectant mother is nearby. Small crocodiles are born all at once and begin to make sounds reminiscent of croaking. Hearing them, the female breaks the hole and helps the offspring get out. After which he carries everyone into the water with his teeth.
The world's largest crocodile is turning into a caring mother who will be with her babies for the next 1.5 years. However, only 1% of the offspring grow to adulthood, the rest become victims of predators.
Having reached two years, the reptile becomes completely independent and goes in search of its territory.
Crocodiles have various features that, at first glance, are completely unusual for this species. Here are some of them:
- They maintain exemplary order on their territory. Crocodiles remove from the bottom everything that they consider unnecessary, throwing it onto the shore with their snouts. They destroy the thickets, and if the reservoir becomes shallow, they dig deep enough holes.
- The reptile, like a chameleon, can change its color throughout the day. So, early in the morning, when the water and air have not yet warmed up, the animal is darker. This helps it absorb the sun's rays better. As it warms up, the skin becomes lighter again.
- The largest crocodiles in the world “cry”, but not at all from pity. This way they get rid of excess salt in the body.
- They can jump out of the water up to two meters high.
- Being a cold-blooded creature, the reptile, with muscle tension, is capable of raising its body temperature 7 degrees above the ambient temperature.
- The world's largest crocodile is resting with its mouth open - in case someone accidentally gets caught in it.
- His teeth are hollow, and there are always new ones inside, just a little smaller. Therefore, the change occurs unnoticed by the animal itself.
The largest crocodile in captivity
The reptile named Classius Clay is quite famous in Australia. He has been living in captivity for almost 30 years. In 2013, when the crocodile celebrated its 110th birthday, he received a 20-kilogram chicken “cake” as a gift. He is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest captive and saltwater crocodile.
It is kept on one of the local farms, weighs about a ton, and has reached a length of 5.48 m. According to scientists, it will live for at least another 30 years.
Difference between a crocodile and an alligator
Often these two reptiles are confused. However, they have noticeable differences.
Alligators can only live in fresh water because they do not know how to remove excess salt from their body, as the saltwater crocodile does through tears and special glands under the tongue.
There are also external differences. Crocodiles have a more elongated muzzle, while alligators have a wide, blunt end. Also, with the jaws closed, the record holder’s fourth tooth is clearly visible, which is not the case with his closest relative.
Crocodile in Ancient Egypt
This reptile was revered in ancient times; it was considered a sacred animal. So, in Ancient Egypt there was a god of water, Sebek, with the head of a crocodile. Mummified bodies of these animals have been found in caves more than once.
Every year, young girls were sacrificed to the reptiles. And if crocodiles accidentally ate someone, the victim was buried with great honor.
However, often due to abundant and improper nutrition, animals died due to obesity.
The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) named Cassius is considered the largest living representative of the order. 
Cassius was recognized as the largest crocodile in captivity in 2013 (5.48 m). The record holder weighs about a ton (998 kg). He was caught in 2011 in Australia. At the moment, the animal is about 100 years old. His full name is Cassius Clay. It was named after the famous boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay). 
Cassius received the title of the largest crocodile after the death of the previous record holder - the Lolong crocodile, which reached a length of 6.17 meters. Lolong was also a member of the Crocodylus porosus species. Its representatives can live more than 100 years, grow up to 7 meters and weigh more than a ton.
The species Sarcosuchus imperator is considered the largest crocodiles to ever live. Individuals of this species lived in Africa 110 million years ago. The last fossilized remains were found in the Sahara Desert. Scientists suggest that over 50-60 years, crocodiles managed to grow to 11-12 meters in length and gain up to 8 tons of weight.
Where do the largest crocodiles in the world live? Since these terrible reptiles are excellent swimmers in the open sea and love to travel, they can be found on the coasts of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, eastern India, Australia, the central regions of Vietnam and Japan.
The world's largest crocodile - (Crocodylus porosus). It is also called lumpy, spongy or sea, because of its external features - it has two ridges on its muzzle or is covered with tubercles. The length of males is from 6 to 7 meters. The maximum length of the saltwater crocodile was recorded more than 100 years ago in India. The killed crocodile reached 9.9 meters! The weight of adult individuals is from 400 to 1000 kg. Habitat: Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Solomon Islands.
Saltwater crocodiles feed on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, but large individuals are not so harmless and attack buffalos, wild pigs, antelopes, and monkeys. They often lie in wait for prey at a watering hole, grab the muzzle with their jaws and knock them down with a blow from their tail. The jaws are clenched with such force that they can crush the skull of a large buffalo. The victim is dragged into the water, where he can no longer actively resist. They attack people very often.
A female saltwater crocodile lays up to 90 eggs. She builds a nest out of leaves and dirt. Rotting foliage creates a humid, warm atmosphere, the temperature in the nest reaches 32 degrees. The sex of future crocodiles depends on temperature. If the temperature is up to 31.6 degrees, then males will be born, if higher - females. This species of crocodiles has great commercial value, so it was mercilessly exterminated.
(Crocodylus niloticus) is the second largest after the saltwater crocodile. It lives along the banks of lakes, rivers, and in freshwater swamps in sub-Saharan Africa. Adult males reach 5 m in length, weighing up to 500 kg, females are 30% smaller in size.
Crocodiles reach sexual maturity at 10 years of age. During the mating season, males slap their muzzles on the water, snort, roar, and try to attract the attention of females. The life expectancy of the Nile crocodile is 45 years. And although the crocodile’s main food is fish and small vertebrates, it can hunt any large animal and is also dangerous for humans. A crocodile was caught in Uganda, which kept local residents in fear for 20 years and claimed 83 human lives.
The largest crocodile is considered to be Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius), living in South America. Its length can reach 6 m. It feeds mainly on fish. There have been cases of attacks on humans. In the hot season, when the water level in reservoirs drops, crocodiles dig holes on the banks of rivers. Today this very rare species can be found in lakes and rivers of Colombia and Venezuela. The population has been severely exterminated by humans; there are about 1,500 individuals in nature.
Among the largest reptiles are also sharp-snouted American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), 5-6 meters long. Habitat: South America. It feeds on fish, small mammals, and can attack livestock. It rarely attacks a person, only if it poses a threat to the crocodile or offspring. Adults adapt well to salt water and swim far out to sea.
Another representative of the largest crocodiles in the world, 4-5 meters long - marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris, Indian)- the habitat of Hindustan. It settles in small bodies of water with standing water, most often in swamps, rivers and lakes. This animal feels confident on land and can move long distances. It feeds mainly on fish and reptiles, and can attack large ungulates on the shore of a reservoir. It attacks people very rarely. The marsh crocodile itself can become prey for a tiger, a saltwater crocodile
