Ten fun facts about Crocodiles
Fact 1
A crocodile can grow to a length of 18 feet.
Fact 2
Crocodiles generally keep their mouths open to cool down when in a relaxing pose and not to denote aggression. They sweat through their mouth.
Fact 3
Their new teeth grow to replace old teeth. They have 24 teeth that do not chew but grasp and lock. Swallow stones to grind food that is in the stomach.
Fact 4
Their tongues have salt glands that excrete salt making them tolerant to sea water.
Fact 5
The membrane behind their retina, which is referred to as ‘tapetum’ reflects the light. Their eyes shine like red dots at night.
Fact 6
Crocodile use their tails to swim 40 km per hour and can stay for 2 to 3 hours underwater.
Fact 7
A crocodile can live up to 80 years.
Fact 8
Crocodile become very aggressive during the mating season. The gestation period is 80 days. These reptiles produce from 20 up to 80 eggs in particular seasons. The incubation period is generally about 3 months.
Fact 9
The skin of a crocodile is very soft and fine. Some tribes regard the skin of as a symbol of high status.
Fact 10
Crocodiles wipe their eyes when feeding. This is because their eyes start frothing and bubbling when they are eating. However, they are definitely not sad when feeding. This gave rise to the popular saying “crocodile tears”, which refers to a person who is pretending to be crying even though they are not sad.
More interesting reads about...
Steve Irwin
A wildlife expert who starred in "The Crocodile Hunter".
Caimans
Are large aquatic reptiles commonly referred as the Spectacled Caiman as the ridges above their eyes appear as if they wear sunglasses.
Alligators
Are cold blooded reptiles that get their name from a Spanish word El Lagarto, meaning “lizard”.
Hippopotamuses
Are extremely heavyweight animals with a round body, short, stocky legs and a large head.
Frogs
Are amphibians with a large head, large eyes and smooth moist skin.
Toads
Are tail-less amphibians with stout bodies and long hind limbs for leaping of the family Bugonidae.
Turtles
Are cold-blooded or ectodermic reptiles that are classified under the Order Testudines.
Platypuses
Is a warm blood mammal that belongs to the monotreme group that lay eggs.
Snakes
Are long, legless ectothermic reptiles that belong to the sub-order of Serpentes.
MORE IN ANIMALS
