More Than 25 Cool Facts About Crocodiliabs

Crocodilians are the largest of the reptiles, and they’re among he most complex. Today we will be discussing more than 25 cool facts about these complex reptiles. The crocodilians which include Alligators, Gharials, Caimans, and Crocodiles are among the most mysterious yet fascinating reptiles. This post is also written to celebrate the birthday of conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin Who was born Friday and impacted the world. Irwin specifically worked with crocodiles and unfortunately lost his life in 2006 so this post is in honor of the Crocodile Hunter. So today we will be sharing more than 25 amazing facts about these fabulous reptiles. Maybe some of you know these facts already maybe you don’t. I am excited to share some trivial facts. And with that said let’s begin

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#1

The largest crocodilian is the Estuarine/Sea/Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from the Asian Islands and Australia. This beheameth reaches 23 feet and 2,200 pounds. What a big crocodile

#2

Not all crocodilians are massive. The smallest crocodilian is the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) from South America. This lightweight only gets to be 4-5 feet in length and weighs only 13-15 pounds. What a little guy. The Saltwater crocodile is around three times bigger and 146.6 times heavier than the biggest Cuvier’s Caiman. What a difference.

#3

Crocodilains are round near worldwide in rivers, lakes, swamps, and even the ocean. They are found in the America’s, Asia, Africa, and of course Australia. The only continents that lack crocodilains are Europe and Antarctica probably because they are too cold

#4

There are 24 species of crocodilians in the world. The majority are Crocodiles, followed by Caimans, and there are only two species of Alligators and Gharials. Here’s the list pardon the lack of Latin names

American Alligator

Chinese Alligator

Gharial

False Gharial

Black Caiman

Spectacled Caiman

Schneider’s Caiman

Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman

Yacare Caiman

Broad Snouted Caiman

American Crocodile

Freshwater crocodile

Sea Crocodile

Orinoco crocodile

Nile crocodile

Mugger Crocodile

Philiino crocodile

Morelet’s crocodile

New Guinea Crocodile

Cuban Crocodile

Siamese crocodile

West African crocodile

Dwarf crocodile

West African slender snout crocodile

Central African slender snout crocodile

#5

Australia Zoologist and Conservationist Steve Irwin devoted his life to protecting crocodiles which gave him the name of Crocodile hunter. Today is his birthday, happy birthday Steve Irwin, we all miss you mate

#6

Crocodiles aren’t closely related to lizards despite their similar appearance, or Amphibians despite their amphibious behavior. In fact Crocodilians are closer related to dinosaurs and Birds than other living reptiles. In fact they Are Archosaurs

#7

The bite force of a Saltwater crocodile is 3,700 pounds per square inch and 16,460 Newton’s of Force. That is four times stronger than the Spotted hyena and that means the Crocodile has the strongest bite Force in the animal kingdom.

#8

Even though Crocodilians look scary, they’re amazing Mothers who are the few reptiles to care for their young. The Mother or if I recall right the Father Crocodilian carries and watches over the babies and protects them from harm. Believe you me ya don’t want to harass a baby crocodile as the mother will be on you

#9

Speaking of eggs, sometimes turtles lay their eggs in crocodilan nests as they know their baby turtles will be protected as well. The crocodilian parent will actually protect and carry the baby turtles. That’s adorable and proves reptiles are smarter than we think

#10

A less heartwarming fact is that Nile Monitors have a taste for Nile crocodile eggs and have the capability to fight off a Crocodiles of a similar size, so they succeed on occasion. Sometimes the Nile crocodile lets the Monitor get off other times the big lizard gets chased away

#11

It’s actually easy to tell the difference between most. Crocodiles have longer snouts with the fourth long tooth on the bottom sticking up and both top and bottom are sticking out. Gharials have long jars and males have a pot shaped bump at the top. Alligators have flat wide snouts with only the top teeth showing and Caimans have shorter snouts with both teeth sticking out

#12

Crocodilians tend to be apex predators at the top of the food chain. They eat fish, turtles, deer, antelopes, fellow reptiles, mammals, and birds. However Crocodilians can be preyed on y other apex predators like large cats (tigers, lions, leopards, Jaguars), large snakes (Anacondas, Rock pythons), Man, and other crocodilians. However the large reptile could also eat those cats, man, and snakes if they are able to catch them by surprise

#13

If you’ve ever wondered the age old question of who would win a fight between a Shark and a Crocodile, we have an answer. And that is Crocodiles eat sharks whenever they can do unlike what Animal Planet says, Crocodiles usually best sharks in fights

#14

While Crocodilians certainly are dangerous, most are afraid of humans and want to stay out of your way. And to avoid a bite don’t harass them, their babies or swim in Crocodilian filled waters. But the two crocodilians that have frequently attacked man are the Nile crocodile from Africa and the Sea Crocodile from down under

#15

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the alligator in the sewer urban legend. And I’ve got good news and bad news. Bad news first, released Alligators have occasionally made it to the Sewars and there have been sightings. However the Alligator isn’t likely to survive due to the toxic water conditions and lack of food because rats and roaches won’t sustain a 14 foot Gator. Alongside that in Northern states like New York and Indiana the Alligator would eventually freeze to death if it even survived that long, so no they aren’t migrating North. So breath easily if you have to go in the sewars as the chances of a released pet alligator being there is slim.

#16

How many teeth do Crocodiles have? Well Crocodiles have 60-72 teeth sometimes varying on the species while Alligators have 80. Caimans have 72-76 teeth and Gharials have 110 holy cow that’s a lot of toothers.

#17

Alongside tortoises, Crocodilians are the longest living reptiles getting to live from 40-80 years. The oldest crocodile recorded was Mr. Freshie a Freshwater Crocodile caught by Steve Irwin and got to live to be 140.

#18

American Alligators help preserve our ecosystem. In a Florida drought they dig gator holes for water providing a home for fish and other aquatic creatures so they aren’t wiped out. This also helps other predators in the Everglades and presents drinking water

#19

Crocodilians have the most complex hearts of the reptile family being closer to birds and mammals than snakes and lizards. They have a special chamber to prevent blood from backing their lungs and their heart even aids digestion and helps the beast when it dives in water

#20

Crocodilians can actually make noises. As babies they chirp for their another. But as Adults especially Alligators they could bellow, hiss, growl, and roar. Bonus it’s what the Dinosaurs would have likely sounded like

#21

Crocodilians aren’t new animals. They have been around for millions of years even before the dinosaurs. 200 million years to be exact. Alongside that Large Crocodiles Like Sarchosuchus And Deinosuchus even regularly ate dinosaurs. How cool is that?

#22

Gharials are sexually dimorphic and by that you can tell males and females by specific features. For Gharials males have a pot like bump at the tip of the About like the picture while females lack it.

#23

Crocodilians are the smartest reptiles alongside Monitor lizards. They are able to learn their names, recognize keepers, solve simple problems, and use tools to trap birds. Alongside her Crocodilians are capable to work in packs and use basic logic

#24

The Northern American Crocodilians have been endangered in recent years. While the American Alligator is no longer threatened, the American Crocodile still needs our help. Let’s repeat the success story the Alligators have had

#25

The smaller Caimans are a popular exotic pet in America. And while they are difficult, expensive and heir bites can cause damage for some experienced people with recourses a Caiman could make an ideal pet

#26

Crocodilians need our help as there are quite a few of them in trouble. To help don’t buy leather made from their skin, don’t senselessly kill crocodilians out of fear, eat them and stop polluting our waters. If we work together we could turn an anthill to a mountain

#27

Even though Crocodilain Attacks are rare a common question is how To avoid an attack. And it’s simple read signs and don’t swim where it says don’t swim. Alongside that be careful with your pets, your children and yourself by keeping your eye on them and be careful around water. As cute as they are don’t harass babies as their Mother is likely nearby and don’t try to harass or touch adults as they could snap. Do not underestimate the speed of a crocodilian and don’t stick your feet in Alligator or crocodile infested water. While Crocodilian Attacks are rare you need to be cautious

#28

Personally my favorite crocodilian is the Gharial because they have cool snouts and are very unique animals as there’s not another reptile like it

#29

Once again this post was made to celebrate the life and achievements of Steve Irwin. He influenced the world and most people who are into animals especially reptiles have Irwin to thank.

Conclusion

In conclusion crocodilians are amazing animals and I gave you 29 facts about them. This was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy. Tell me in the comments below what’s your favorite crocodilian. Ciao

Sources

Knowledge Empire

Encyclopedia of Reptiles

Wikipedia

National Geographic

Discovery

Academic Empire

Book of Reptiles