Home Learn Animal Facts Saltwater Crocodile

Saltwater Crocodile

  • Length Up to 6 metres
  • Weight Up to 1000kg
  • Class Reptile
  • Gestation Eggs incubate for up to 90 days
  • # of Young 40
  • Diet Mostly fish, but will eat just about any meat it can catch
  • Status Secure
  • Features & Adaptations
  • Habitat & Environment
  • Diet
  • Lessen The Threat

Never Smile at a Saltwater Crocodile

The Saltwater Crocodile is the largest living reptile on Earth. Male Saltwater Crocodiles can grow to be over 6 metres long and some unconfirmed reports have found some to be 8 metres long.

Being a predator, these crocs wait patiently beneath the water’s surface where they sense an animal approaching. With their powerful tail and jaw they thrash from the water to grab their prey.

See The Saltwater Crocodiles
Saltwater Crocodile chilling half way in water and half way on sandy grounds

Saltwater Crocodile Facts

  • Common Names

    Saltwater Crocodile

  • Scientific Names

    Crocodylus porosus

  • Family

    Crocodylidae

  • Also known as:

    Estuarine Crocodile

Do You Know?

It's believed the world's oldest Saltwater Crocodile was more than 100 years old when he died in 2024.

A large crocodile lies on the ground with its mouth wide open, displaying sharp teeth and rough, textured skin.

Saltwater Crocodile Features & Adaptations

Saltwater Crocodiles have large heads, with ridges that run along their nose and mouth. On average they have 66 teeth, with the greatest bite pressure of any animal in the world. They can swim between fresh and coastal waters.

A crocodile partially submerged in murky water, with only its head and back visible above the surface.

Saltwater Crocodile Habitat & Environment

Saltwater Crocodiles don't spend much time on land. They live in coastal rivers and wetlands, but can also venture into the ocean and island shorelines.

Saltwater Crocodile Distribution

Map of Australia showing its states and territories with different colors and a shaded northern coastal region.

They are mostly found in areas around Australia's Northern coast, as well as countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

A large crocodile lies on a concrete surface near water and green grass, mouth open and facing the camera.

Saltwater Crocodile's Diet

Mostly fish, but they'll attack and eat anything they can, including turtles and livestock.

A crocodile partially submerged in murky water with its mouth open, displaying large sharp teeth and textured skin.

Life Cycle of Saltwater Crocodiles

Saltwater Crocodiles can live for a long time, some more than 60 years, 1 was even documented to be over 100 years old. Saltwater Crocodiles hatch from eggs and will stay by their mother's side for up to 2 years.

Threats to Saltwater Crocodiles

Saltwater Crocodiles are considered low risk for extinction, how ever their hides are valuable in some countries. Illegal hunting and habitat loss are major threats to the wild population.

Close-up of a crocodiles partially submerged head in water, with its yellow-green eye and textured skin clearly visible.

Ways to lessen the threat to Saltwater Crocodiles

There are currently no threats known to Saltwater Crocodiles. They are a protected species and of low risk for extinction.

Gallery

A large crocodile lies on the muddy bank of a river, partially submerged in water, showing its rough textured skin and sharp teeth.
A large crocodile lying on a concrete surface with its mouth wide open, showing its teeth and rough textured skin.
A crocodile with its mouth wide open above the water, showing its teeth and holding a piece of meat inside its jaws.

Visit Saltwater Crocodiles at the Sanctuary

This Way