Saltwater Crocodile

The Saltwater Crocodile belongs to the family Crocodylidae. Saltwater crocodiles dwell in the warm waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans, in Mangrove forest and coastal habitats. They get their name from being able to survive in full salinity seawater unlike the freshwater crocodiles who will get very sick if in salt water too long. The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile known to science. The males can get lengths of about 20ft and weigh up to 2,900 lbs. (females are much smaller, getting only up to about 10 ft.). This creature has 66 long sharp teeth(about 5 in. each)that line it’s extremely powerful jaw. Their bite is the strongest animal bite in the world! These apex predators have the size and power to eat just about anything. Saltwater crocodiles are an ambush type of predator. They will lurk along the water's edge and violently lunge and attack its prey. Since they are able to hold their breath for 10-15 mins, they will take their prey underwater and drown them before consuming. Being a cold-blooded animal means they use the sun and the water to regulate their body temperature. When the water is too cold or when it’s time to nest, they will come to land to bask in the sun. If they need to cool off they will either move to shaded areas or cooler water to cool off. Interesting enough, this animal uses several different ways of communicating with one another. From barking to hissing, and even growling (some chirp), be careful when you’re in their territory. This is not an animal you want to cross paths with!

#saltwatercrocodile #crocodile #educate #themoreyouknow #marinezoologist #marinelife #oceancreatures #animalfacts #animals #animallover #sealife #seaanimals #ocean #marineconservation #keeptheseaplasticfree #wildlifeseekers #wildlifeconservation #savetheocean #savetheplanet #marinebiology #oceanography #zoology #blackzoologist #tarimahthezoologist 🐬🐋🦈🐡🐙🐧🦦🐠🦑