21 Astonishing And Unpredictable Facts About Crocodiles

Two eys floating over the surface of the water. Suddenly one of the largest jaws in the animal kingdom appears. The large water predator is a crocodile. They are massive, aggressive, and powerful. Crocodiles are the apex predator of freshwater. They are also seen in saltwater. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles. Crocodiles are seen in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. There are sixteen species of crocodiles. Crocodiles are known to have one of the most impressive body structure. This unique body structure allows them to keep their eyes, nostrils, and ears above water. Crocodiles and alligators are often confused as the same species. They are from the same Crocodilia order. But they are not the same species.

Crocodiles are long and have a strong body. Most species grow up to 5-7 meters long. Crocodiles have a large head. They have an enormous and powerful jaw. Crocodiles have a long tail. The tail operates its swim while underwater. They have five fingers in each of four legs. Crocodiles can move very first in the water. They are one of the major and most successful water predators. Their physical properties are designed to be deadly. American crocodiles are sensitive to cold. Other species have evolved to live in various conditions. Crocodiles lay eggs and make a nest for every season.

Crocodiles are a marvel among predatory animals. They are one of the oldest surviving species. Crocodile skin is considered a sophisticated material for shoes, bags, and other luxury goods. Extensive hunting of crocodiles has fallen them to a danger of extinction. Many species are classified as critically endangered. Crocodiles have been an important part of our ecosystem for millions of years. These are some little known facts about crocodiles.

Crocodiles first appeared 95 million years ago. It was in the Late Cretaceous period when the first crocodiles evolved from earlier ancestors.

The crocodile got its name from the Ancient Greek word crocodiles. The word means lizard.

There are 16 extant species of crocodiles that have been recognized. Among them, five species are native to Africa rest are from the Americas and Asia.

Saltwater crocodiles are the largest of all crocodile species. These crocodiles usually grow 5.2 meters long.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman is the smallest of all crocodiles. They grow up to 1.4 meters on average. They are also the smallest of all crocodilians.

Saltwater crocodiles have the longest life span of 100 years among all crocodiles.

Lolong was the largest saltwater specimen ever recorded. The massive predator was caught and kept in captivity. Lolong was around 6.2 meters long.

Cassius is currently the largest crocodile in captivity. The saltwater crocodile is approximately 100 years old and measures 5.48 m (17 ft 11 in).

Sarcosuchus is the ancestor of common Crocodilians lives now. This humongous creature was over 9 meters long and weighed over 3,500 kgs.

Average life span of crocodiles differs from species to species. Most species have a; life span of around 70 years.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman lives around 25 years on average. They have the shortest life span among all crocodiles.

Crocodiles have around 80 teeth. But they can chew their food. They have to tear the food apart and swallow.

Crocodiles lay eggs. The number of eggs laid per clutch varies from species to species.

Nile Crocodile lays the highest number of eggs per clutch. These crocodiles lay up to 80 eggs per clutch.

The gender of the new springs are decided by the hatching temperature of the eggs. If the temperature is around 30 °C most hatchlings are female. Around 33 °C for most is males.

The jaws of crocodiles are designed to generate enormous power when the jaws are closing.

Orinoco crocodile, Philippine crocodile, Cuban crocodile, Slender-snouted crocodile are the Critically Endangered species of true crocodiles.

Some species of true crocodiles like American crocodile, Mugger crocodile, marsh crocodile, or Indian crocodile, Dwarf crocodile, are classified as Vulnerable.

The tail of a crocodile is solid muscle and a major source of power, making it a strong swimmer and able to make sudden lunges out of the water to capture prey.

Crocodiles have excellent hearing, which helps them to locate prey particularly in poor light or low visibility conditions.

Juvenile crocodiles are unable to handle the salt content of the ocean environment. They are capable of drinking the freshwater film of water that floats upon the top layer of seawater.

Crocodiles are important part of our nature. Because of extensive hunting for skin the numbers of many crocodile species are facing the threats of extinctions. June 17 is the World Crocodile Day. The day is celebrated to create awarness about crocodiles. Hope you enjoyed the facts. These are all we have about crocodiles today.