Page 125 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

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Closest family Bite force Dermal pressure
Closely related to the saltwater crocodile are… The saltwater has the receptors
highest bite force of any Sensory pits in the
crocodile, with up 2,410 scales on a crocodile’s
megapascals (350,000 head enable it to detect
pounds per square inch). slight changes in water
pressure. This means the
creature can even hunt in
murky water.
Nile crocodile Mugger crocodile American alligator
The Nile crocodile is Found in the Indian Crocodiles have a
the second largest subcontinent, the V-shaped snout and
reptile in the world, mugger is a heavily when their mouths
measuring up to armoured crocodile. are closed, both rows
six metres (20 feet) Despite measuring of teeth are visible.
in length. These up to four metres (13 Alligators have shorter
creatures are apex feet), muggers prefer U-shaped snouts with
predators and capable smaller prey to the a huge bite force and
of attacking prey as saltwater, feeding on their upper jaw hides Lingual salt

large as young hippo. fish, turtles and birds. the lower teeth. glands
Reptilian kidneys are
Liver Pancreas less effi cient than
mammalian ones, so
crocodiles rely on
glands to pump salt
from their blood.

Kidney

The tail is used to
move swiftly in
the water.

Tail

Stomach
The stomach of a Posture
saltwater crocodile The posture is semi-
is ten-times more erect, with knees and
acidic than a elbows slightly bent.
human’s, enabling
it to digest bone
and hooves.
Double caudal crest
Intestine
Simple caudal crest

How the saltwater crocodile gallops
This huge lizard is capable of galloping,
but only when threatened. Over short
distances it can reach speeds of up to 15
kilometres (nine miles) per hour.

“Older crocodiles are
Sexual maturity – males 16 years Reproduction 16+ years Apex predator 20+ years
Male crocodiles mature later and spend Saltwater crocodiles reproduce Older crocodiles reach average lengths capable of taking down
most of their adult lives competing for once a year during the wet of five metres (16.4 feet) and are

territory, optimal basking locations and of season. The female guards the capable of taking down almost any
course female crocodiles. eggs and then the hatchlings. animal in their path. almost any animal”
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