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Saltwater Crocodile | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Saltwater Crocodile

Crocodylus porosus

ReptiliaTidal rivers, mangrove swamps, estuaries and coastal seasLeast Concern

Field profile

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile, with verified adult males exceeding six metres. It tolerates full-strength seawater and moves freely between river systems along the coast. Despite its size it is a generalist predator, taking prey ranging from crabs and fish to large mammals.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-11-01

Saltwater Crocodile

Saltwater crocodiles ride tidal currents between rivers

Satellite tracking in northern Australia showed that these crocodiles do not cross open water by brute effort. They wait for a favourable tide, ride it, and haul out on the bank when the flow turns against them.

Read with evidence →