What is the largest living crocodile?
Quick answer
The saltwater crocodile is the largest living crocodilian and the largest living reptile. Adult males commonly reach 5–6 m (16–20 ft) and can weigh more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), while females are much smaller. It lives from eastern India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia.
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Crocodylus porosus
- Length (males)
- Commonly 5–6 m; rarely larger
- Weight (males)
- Can exceed 1,000 kg
- Nicknames
- Saltie, estuarine crocodile
Record holders
The largest crocodile measured in captivity was Lolong, captured in the Philippines in 2011, at about 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in). He was recognized by Guinness World Records before dying in 2013.
Ocean travelers
Despite the name, saltwater crocodiles live mostly in rivers, estuaries and mangrove swamps, but they can travel far out to sea. They ride ocean currents to move between islands, and special glands on their tongues get rid of excess salt.
The strongest bite
In a 2012 study, a saltwater crocodile produced a bite force of about 16,400 newtons (3,700 pounds-force), the strongest bite ever measured for a living animal. Their jaw-opening muscles, however, are weak.
Crocodilians compared
| Species | Typical max length | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater crocodile | 6+ m | Indo-Pacific, northern Australia |
| Nile crocodile | 5–6 m | Africa |
| Gharial | 5–6 m | India, Nepal |
| American alligator | 4–4.5 m | Southeastern US |
| Dwarf crocodile | 1.5 m | West and Central Africa |
Crocodile or alligator?
| Crocodile | Alligator | |
|---|---|---|
| Snout | Narrow, V-shaped | Wide, U-shaped |
| Teeth with mouth closed | Lower teeth visible | Mostly hidden |
| Salt water | Tolerates it | Mostly freshwater |
Staying safe
In northern Australia, warning signs mark waters where crocodiles live. Officials advise swimming only where it’s signposted as safe and staying well back from the water’s edge.
Survivors from the dinosaur age
Crocodilians’ ancestors lived alongside the dinosaurs, and they’re the closest living relatives of birds. For other giant reptiles, see the largest sea turtle and the largest tortoise.
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