How Different Is Saltwater Crocodile From The Others

Australia has two types of crocodiles, the freshwater crocodile, which mainly eats fish, and is not considered a danger to man, and the saltwater crocodile, a true meat eater. Crocodiles are true dinasaurs, and have changed little in the evolutionary stakes over millions of years.

The Saltwater Crocodile, or 'Salty' as Australians refer to it, is found as far down as Broome on the western coastline, and Rockhampton on the eastern coastline. It inhabits the surrounding islands off the coastline also, and has been known to swim as far as 1,000 klms (620 miles) by sea to reach its destination.

In times of extreme drought, it has also been known to travel across land many klms to find a safe waterhole to ensure its survival. Although it prefers salt water, it can survive quite readily in fresh water. Its diet consists of fish and small mamals and birds, which venture too close or unwittingly near the waters edge. The Salty spends most of its time sleeping, and in summer avoids the hot sun, hunting mostly during the cooler hours of the day.

When hunting for food, the usual procedure is to expose only its eyes and nostrils above the waterline until prey is spotted, then sinking without a ripple, swims effortlessly underwater and attacks its prey from underneath the water, lunging upwards. Or moving with amazing agility and speed, will spring from the water and up onto the bank. Razor sharp teeth, and astounding jaw pressure ensures a firm grip on its prey, the salty then drags its hapless victim into the water and procedes to go into the 'death roll', rolling over and over and in the case of larger prey, such as buffalo or cattle, dragging its prey underwater where it consequently drowns.

In order to eat its food, it is impossible for the Salty to eat underwater, and food must be consumed on top of the water. A careful examination of the above photograph, you will notice a flap of skin at the back of the throat, this acts as a safety valve, closing whilst the mouth is open under water. This prevents it from drowning.

Saltwater Crocodiles have been recorded as big as 7 metres in length (23 feet). Although the most common length of a fully grown male crocodile would average 5 to 6 metres (18 to 20 feet).

It is impossible to judge accurately the age of a croc, unless a bone sample is obtained. Their bones have 'growth rings' much the same as trees. Salties mature sexually at around 16 years of age for males and 12 to 14 years of age for females.