Freshwater Crocodile (juvenile)

Description:

This young freshie is about 1 foot (approx 30cm) in length. "The Freshwater Crocodile is slender-snouted and considerably smaller in build and overall size compared to its cousin, the Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Its colour ranges from grey to tan-brown, with dark patches along the sides and top of the body. The nostrils and eyes sit at the top of the head and the fine sharp teeth are clearly visible even when the mouth is closed. The powerful tail features large triangular scales known as ‘scutes’ along its length, which is almost half the total length of the animal. The hind limbs are considerably larger and longer than the forelimbs; this is most noticeable when the legs are stretched in the water. When resting, the limbs are held tight to the body." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Sitting on a rock in a permanent spring-fed creek (Fern Creek) along the Gibb River Road. Pic 5 shows the habitat.

Notes:

This little freshie was on a rock in this creek where there was a lot of Blue Lilies (Nymphaea violacea). We were quite lucky to get a few shots of it before a road train came steaming through the floodway! We actually got to see (possibly the same one even) one on the way out and on the way back. "Both species of crocodiles are protected in Australia..." (Australian Museum: http://australianmuseum.net.au/freshwate... ) https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/docume... - further reading