One of the most dangerous creatures for humans in nature is considered a marine crocodile. This creature impresses with its terrible hunting skills and truly gigantic dimensions. What is this predator and what lifestyle does it lead?
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Characteristic of a sea crocodile
A combed crocodile is a reptile, which is also called a marine crocodile. The term "combed" was formed due to the presence of 2 rows of strong ridges in the lizards, extending in the center from the eyes to the very end of the muzzle. Interestingly, such crests adorn exclusively adult crocodiles; they are not observed in young individuals. The predator inspires horror and awe with its eerie mouth, dotted with rows of strong and large teeth, which it can have from 64 to 68 pieces.
It is interesting! A combed crocodile differs from other species of its relatives in small scales on the belly, which does not form in the osteoderm (ossification of the skin).
Newborn lizards reach a length of 25-30 cm and weigh 70 kg. Males are considered sexually mature after reaching a body length of 3 m, and females - 2.2 m. Some males can reach 6 m or more tons in weight, but the average size of an adult is approximately 4-5.5 m and weighs 400-900 kg. Females are usually inferior to males in size: their body length is 2.5-3.5 m, and weight - 400-500 kg.
It is interesting! The largest marine crocodile of our time was caught in 2011 in the Philippine Islands. The length of his body was 6.17 m, and the reptile weighed 1075 kg.
The underwater crocodile has a strong head and impressive jaws.The body of the predator is covered with oval scales of small sizes. The pale yellow color is diluted with dark spots in the tail and trunk. After puberty, the skin of the reptile darkens, becoming grayish-green with brown spots. Some instances become completely dark. The belly is white or yellow, the tail is gray with dark stripes.
Description of the species and its features
The combed crocodile is related to the crocodile family and the genus true crocodiles. This variety is rightfully considered the largest and most ferocious among its relatives.
Did you know? The bloodiest story involving marine crocodiles occurred in 1945 on the island of Ramri. Having plunged into the local mangrove swamps, 1,000 Japanese soldiers were almost completely destroyed by toothy reptiles.
The habitat of marine dinosaurs is quite extensive and includes some areas of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Also, predators can be found everywhere on the coast of East India, as well as Southeast Asia. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and New Guinea also liked crocodiles. However, the largest accumulation of these reptiles is observed in Northern Australia. Due to the ability to swim quickly, these reptiles can reach the Philippine Islands and even Japan, where they are usually not found. Some time ago, a small population of these crocodiles lived in the Seychelles, but now all individuals are exterminated.
Predator habitat and lifestyle
Sea crocodiles live both in fresh and in salt water (moreover, most often they choose fresh water bodies). The ocean coast, rivers, lakes, swamps and even water meadows can be chosen as their place of residence. Swimming far into the sea, this crocodile easily swims from one coast to another. He feels most comfortable in deep water.
And although special glands help to remove salt from the lizard’s body, thereby allowing it to live in sea water, its animal cannot drink it. Sea lizards receive moisture along with food, and sometimes the issue of dehydration (especially in young medium-sized animals) becomes acute for a crocodile.
Representatives of this species are considered solitary predators. Each of them has its own plot in the pond. In water, their speed can reach about 30 km / h, although usually here they move around slowly - 3-5 km / h. In the afternoon, the reptile rests in coastal thickets or in the water. They hunt in the evening or in the early morning.
Dwelling on open sea expanses, combed crocodiles are able to drift with the flow, neglecting active movement. This approach saves energy for further life. Some crocodiles can even slow down their journey, waiting for the next course in the direction they need.
Nevertheless, despite the love of sea odysseys, crocodiles often live in fresh water bodies and rivers, during a drought, moving downstream and gradually reaching the mouth. Like all their relatives, combed crocodiles can feel good only in areas with a tropical warm climate. For this reason, predators can arrange seasonal migrations during the onset of cold weather in their usual locality.
The coming mating season is an excellent occasion for males to try their hand at “charming” females. To do this, they adopt characteristic tricks: croaking sounds, various movements and gestures. Some time after mating, the female lays in the sand and lays there from 40 to 60 eggs. After about 100 days, cubs are born, which the female carefully transfers to the water in her mouth. A toothy mother stays with the young for several months, educating them and taking care of him.
What does the combed crocodile eat?
The basis of the diet of the combed crocodile is made up of fish, birds and mammals of various sizes. An adult can completely kill an antelope, buffalo, cow and other horned animals.
They can also hunt such animals:
- monkeys;
- leopards;
- hyenas;
- crabs;
- the snake;
- wild boars, etc.
Cubs of a sea crocodile regale themselves with mollusks, fish, and insects.
Did you know? Sea crocodiles are cannibals. In case of lack of food, they can dine with their relatives or cubs.
A crocodile does not always eat large prey at a time. Tightening it to the depth, the lizards mask the carcass under a stone or snag so that the "body" does not surface. After some time, when the meat begins to decompose and soften, the predator can start a meal. However, this tactic does not always justify itself, since the catch caught by a crocodile can go to another aquatic predator.
The crocodile hunting technique is considered standard - hiding in the water, the predator waits for the prey, then suddenly attacks it. The helpless animal is knocked down by the blow of a powerful tail or captured by the jaws of a crocodile. After this, the lizard drags its prey into the water, until it drowns.
Note! Saltwater crocodile is recognized as the most dangerous for humans. The annual number of human victims who became his prey may exceed 2,000. Most often, attacks occur off the coast of Australia.
Reptile life span
The underwater crocodile is listed in the Red Book, since at the end of the last century the population was on the verge of destruction. Valuable crocodile skin made them a desirable prey for hunters and poachers. To date, laws have been passed restricting the fishing of these animals. Also, combed crocodiles are bred on special farms in India.
Due to the continuous growth of cartilage, the crocodile increases in size throughout its life. At the same time, this predator is considered a long-liver capable of living 60-80 years.
Sea crocodiles are predatory reptiles of impressive size. They live in countries with a tropical climate, but are able to travel at different distances. These animals are considered extremely dangerous to humans.
