Gharial

Description:

The gharial has a characteristic elongated, narrow snout, similar only to the false gharial, (Tomistoma schlegelii). Variation in snout shape occurs with age. It generally becomes proportionally shorter and thicker with age. The bulbous growth on the tip of the male's snout is called a "Ghara" (after the Indian word meaning "pot"), and is present in mature individuals. Two possible functions have been attributed to it: as a vocal resonator (which produces a loud buzzing noise during vocalization) and as a visual signal to females. The elongated jaws are lined with many interlocking, razor-sharp teeth, an adaptation to their fish diet. The gharial is one of the largest of all crocodilian species, approaching the Australian saltwater crocodile, the largest crocodilian, in maximum size. Males reach 20 to 23 feet (6 to 7 m) in length. The gharial is poorly equipped for locomotion on land. Its leg musculature is not suited to raise the body off the ground or to produce the "high-walk" gait. It is able only to push its body forward across the ground or "belly-slide." It is, however, very agile in the water. The tail is well-developed and laterally flattened, and the rear feet possess extensive webbing. The gharial has 106 to 110 teeth in the elongated snout. (information from the National Zoo website)

Notes:

This specimen was spotted at National Zoo in Washington, D.C..