Nile crocodile

Description:

Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles. Crocs have a more V-shaped snout than alligators and caimans, which have more of a U-shaped snout. Also, teeth are visible with crocodiles unlike with alligators. The Nile crocodile is a large and aggressive species that exhibits a dark bronze color that darkens as the animal matures. The Nile crocodile is the second largest extant reptile with the largest being the saltwater crocodile found in Australia, through parts of Indonesia, and west through the coastal regions of Southeast Asia to as far west as coastal areas of the eastern part of India. Nile crocodiles measuring 20 feet in length and weighing up to one ton are not uncommon.

Habitat:

The Nile crocodile prefers marshlands, lakes, and rivers. As an apex predator, this crocodile waits in ambush for a wide variety of prey. These crocodiles extend from southeastern Egypt south to the middle of South Africa and east and then north to what was once French equatorial west Africa, to the far western coast of the continent.

Notes:

This nile crocodile was seen with a number of others at the Rhino & Lion Park outside Johannesburg. These animals are very social and may be found in groups.