Adult saltwater crocodiles are a dark color with occasional tan or yellow spots. The underbelly is a pale white color. The saltwater crocodile is able to travel a great distance over open sea. Their great distribution is probably due to this trait.
Food
Saltwater crocodiles are meat eaters. Juvenile crocodiles will eat small mammals, insects, shellfish, and fish. The larger the crocodile the more it can eat. Adult crocodiles will eat snakes, buffalo, domestic cattle, and pretty much anything else it can get. They have been known to eat people.
Habitat
The saltwater crocodile can be found in coastal waters between Northern Australia and the southern coast of India. They can also be found in freshwater rivers and swamps.
Predators
Juvenile saltwater crocodiles are in danger from other crocodiles and various predators. As adults, the saltwater crocodile does not really have to worry about anything but poachers.
Social Structure
Saltwater crocodiles live in loosely organized social groups. They spend a lot of their time trying to keep their body temperature constant. Saltwater crocodiles are also territorial with the best territory being held by the strongest male. However, territory is usually kept through posture and vocalizations and not violence.
Birth & Offspring
Breeding takes place in freshwater areas. Females lay 40 – 60 eggs in mound nests that are made of plant matter. The female stays near the nest to protect it and helps the young dig their way out when they hatch. The female saltwater crocodile will then carry the hatchlings to the water in her mouth.
Lydia King is a huge animal lover and has always been fascinated with learning about the animal kingdom. She enjoys writing about anything animal related from scientific information about rare species to animal references in pop culture.
