The saltwater crocodile (or Crocodylus porosus) is an extremely large species of reptile native to the coastal areas of South-east Asia, North Australia and East India. It is an effective and dangerous apex predator, with the males capable of growing between 3.5 to 6m long, and weighing between 200 and 1000kg. Females are significantly smaller, averaging 2.7 to 3.4m and 120-200kg. Both sexes have a broader snout and body compared to other crocodile species, and are tan to greenish grey in colour; there is variation in colour among different populations.
Latin Name
Crocodylus porosus
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saltwater-crocodile
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Animal Facts
The saltwater crocodile is statistically the joint most dangerous crocodile to humans, alongside the Nile crocodile. Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest recorded bite force of any animal.
Saltwater crocodiles exhibit the greatest sexual dimorphism of any crocodilian; males are 4 to 5 times larger than the females.
Saltwater crocodiles do not require fresh drinking water. Like other crocodiles, they have special glands on their heads that secrete excess salt allowing them to drink saltwater.
Saltwater crocodiles have been seen to knock primates out of trees into water with their tails to make catching their prey easier.
Unlike other crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles are immune to cane toad toxins, allowing them to eat cane toads to sustain themselves if necessary.