nile crocodile
| Scientific name | Crocodylus niloticus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Laurenti |
| Year of description | 1768 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Crocodylidae |
| Genus | Crocodylus |
Introduction
Crocodylus niloticus, commonly known as nile crocodile, is a fresh water and brackish water reptile from the Africa.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Female size300 - 420 cm
-
Male size500 - 600 cm
-
Weight450 - 1000 kg
-
Motifdrawn scales
-
Mimicryplants
-
Longevity100 year
-
Female size300 - 420 cm
-
Male size500 - 600 cm
-
Weight450 - 1000 kg
-
Motifdrawn scales
-
Mimicryplants
-
Longevity100 year
How to recognize the nile crocodile ?
The nile crocodile measures around 500 cm. The dominant males can however reach 600 cm. This reptile is unicolore with a predominantly vert body. The also has drawn scales.
Sexual dimorphism
The adult male is bigger than the female.
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
-
Way of livingnocturnal
-
VenomousNo
-
Dietpredator
This species is known to emit sounds easily audible by humans.
The nile crocodile hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
The nile crocodile is a reptile living in a group or alone naturally found in the vegetation. This species is carnivorous . This reptile lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
The nile crocodile is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.
Reproduction
-
Reproductionovipare qui enfouit ses œufs
-
Clutch size35 - 60 eggs
The nile crocodile is a reptile ovipare qui enfouit ses œufs. This reptile protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
-
Temperature18 - 35 °C
-
FlowSlow and Stagnant
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
The nile crocodile is most often found at a depth between 0m and 4m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).
This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Fergusson, R.A. 2010. Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus. In: S.C. Manolis and C. Stevenson (eds), Crocodiles, status survey and conservation action plan, pp. 84-89. Crocodile Specialist Group: Darwin. - Fergusson, R.A - Crocodile Specialist Group: Darwin. IUCN - 2010.
Tags
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners
