Crocodylus porosus ( Saltwater crocodile) can reach a maximum length of 7 meters (22.96 feet) and a maximum weight of a 1,000 Kilograms ( 2204.6 pounds), making it the largest reptile in the world. C. porosus are highly adapted aquatic ambush predators. Their long, powerful tails and webbed back feet allow them to move quickly through the water. Their eyes, ears, and nose are all located on top of their heads, allowing them to remained almost completely submerged underwater. A special valve at the back of their throats allows them to keep their powerful jaws open underwater without water entering the throat.
They range range extends from the east coast of India down to Australia, through southeast Asia and as far west as the Caroline Islands They are capable of traveling thousands of miles through the ocean. Individuals have been found as far away as Japan and the Fiji Islands.
C. porosus are commonly found in brackish water around coastal areas and rivers, often calling mangrove forest home. They also live in freshwater rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes, up to 200 Kilometers inland.
Juveniles feed on insects, crustaceans, fish, and amphibians. Adults eat reptiles, birds and mammals. They also will eat carrion occasionally. Stones and pebbles are ingested to assist in the grinding of food in the stomach.
On the IUCN Red List, C. porosus are listed as Least Concern (LC). They were heavily hunted in the 20th century and by 1970 the population of C. porosus in northern Australia had been reduced by 95%. However, thanks to increased hunting regulation the species has made a dramatic comeback. Today habit loss in the primary threat to C. porosus.
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Arkive (2011).Saltwater crocodile(Crocodylus porosus). Retrieved from
