There are a lot of exaggerated reports of the size of crocodiles, including Krys the Croc from Queensland in Australia, which was reputed to have measured 8.64 metres.
Actual evidence for Krys’ size is very thin, but what isn’t disputed is that saltwater crocodiles – Crocodylus porosus – are the largest reptiles on earth.
While adult male ‘salties’ average 5m and 500kg, females are much smaller, typically under 3m long and weigh less than 100kg.
However, the largest saltwater crocodile ever recorded was around 6.3m long and estimated to have weighed between 1,500-2,000kg. It is also generally accepted that crocodiles of up to 7m probably lived in the past.
Saltwater crocodile in Bhitarkanika, Odisha, India. Credit – ePhotocorp/Getty Images
This apex predator can be found in many saltwater habitats, from India’s east coast, to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Saltwater crocodiles can live for more than 70 years, although there are reports of a Nile crocodile living significantly older in captivity.
Closely followed by the saltwater crocodile for size is the Nile crocodile and the Orinoco crocodile.
Saltwater crocodile in Queensland, Australia. Credit – Outback to Coast/Getty Images
Saltwater crocodile is resting among trees in Queensland, Australia. Credit – Julia Gomina/Getty Images
Nile crocodile, coming in second to the saltwater croc. Credit – Carl Jani/Getty Images
A crocodile jumping out of a river to catch a bird. Credit – Mark Nyman/Getty Images
Close-up photo of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Credit – Rizky Ade Jonathan/Getty Images
Saltwater crocodile in West Bengal, India. Credit – ePhotocorp/Getty Images