Curious facts about the crocodile, the most indomitable animal on the planet

The crocodile arouses mystery and respect for its appearance that resembles a small dinosaur although much more dwarf. They are semi-aquatic reptiles that live between salty or fresh waters and the mainland, depending on their species. They can be found in almost all corners of the planet where the climate is tropical, such as Africa, Asia, America and Australia. But there is much more about them to discover and that is why we have prepared these curious facts about the crocodile, the most indomitable animal on the planet.

These animals that live stealthily submerged in the waters belong to the Crocodilia order, which also includes alligators and gharials. There are currently 14 different species of crocodiles, so the variety of appearances is very wide. They can be found from the smallest, the dwarf crocodile that barely touches 1.5 meters in length. Even the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which in fact is considered the largest reptile in the world at 6 to 8 meters long and weighing almost a ton.

Where do crocodiles live and what do they eat?

Crocodiles live in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, although there are also species that live in saltwater. It is possible to find them in four of the five continents, Europe being the only one that does not have a presence of these intriguing reptiles. They are carnivorous animals, so they feed mainly on fish, reptiles and some mammals, although sometimes they also like mollusks and crustaceans.

fun facts about the crocodile

  • The crocodile bite is the most powerful in the entire animal kingdom with 1,800 kilograms of force. And although their jaws are capable of destroying almost any animal, curiously they do not have enough strength to make the opposite movement, that is, they cannot open their mouths if they are held with an object around it, even if it is a Scotch tape.
  • It is estimated that the first crocodiles to inhabit the Earth did so about 240 million years ago, more or less around the time of the dinosaurs. It is one of the animals that has survived the changes on the planet the longest.
  • Despite having the most powerful bite in the entire animal kingdom, they are not capable of chewing. Their teeth are cone-shaped so they are used to hold their prey and tear it to pieces with their powerful body twists, but not to chew them.
  • And speaking of their dentures, they change their teeth at least 8,000 times in their entire lives. When one breaks or is lost in battle or feeding, replacements grow.
  • They swallow stones to help their stomachs digest their food, once inside their bodies the rocks grind and crush the food. Many also believe that this mechanism helps them gain weight to stay immersed in water more easily or to feel more satiated.
  • It cannot be said as such that the backs of crocodiles are covered in skin, rather, they are made up of a bony plate called osteoderm, which provides them with great protection. This part of their bodies is so hard that it is capable of resisting even bullet impacts.
  • The longevity of crocodiles is amazing, they can live up to 100 years depending on the species.
  • Crocodiles’ sense of hearing is so acute that they are even able to hear their young calling from within their eggs.
  • They are expert swimmers who can reach 40 kilometers per hour. Although much of this ability comes from their tails that help them move underwater.
  • The expression «crocodile tears» did not arise randomly, but stems from the fact that the eyes of crocodiles need to be kept moist at all times. So when they are out of the water, their eyes cry to keep up with the moisture.
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