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In 2002, the largest crocodile was caught in the Republic of Burundi, who was given the nickname Gustav. At that time, the combed reptile was over a hundred years old, the body length of the crocodile was 6.1 meters, and it weighed more than a ton. After his capture, he was immediately entered into the Guinness Book of Records. In 2011, another giant appeared in the Book of Records, which currently lives in captivity in northern Australia - a huge crocodile named Classius Clay. His exact age is unknown, but it is assumed that he is about 110 years old. It is 5.48 meters long and weighs a whole ton.

And now let's look at the giants that live in our time, because many of them are also worthy of being included in the famous book.

First on the list is the combed crocodile. This is the most gigantic crocodile in the world, which has two crests covered with tubercles on its muzzle. Adult males are 6-7 meters long, but sometimes there are individuals whose length reaches up to 10 meters. By weight, such a crocodile can be from 400 to 1000 kilograms. The female usually lays up to 90 eggs. The temperature in the nest is very important, because the sex of future crocodiles depends on this parameter.

In terms of size, this crocodile is in second place after the combed one - it weighs up to 500 kg, and grows up to 5 meters in length. It lives in Africa - along the shores of lakes, rivers and in freshwater swamps. The females of this crocodile are 30% smaller than the males. Its main food is fish or small invertebrates, but it can pose a considerable danger to humans. For example, in Uganda there lived such a crocodile that kept the entire district in fear and claimed 83 human lives.

It is found in South America. The length is 5-6 meters. The basis of his diet is, as a rule, fish, but he does not disdain livestock. It can attack a person, but only in case of a threat to its own life or offspring. To date, there are approximately 1,500 such crocodiles worldwide, as they have been heavily exterminated by humans.

This rather big reptile living in South America is 5-6 meters long. The crocodile is able to adapt to life in salt water, so it is not afraid to swim far into the sea. It rarely attacks a person - again, if it only sees some kind of threat to its offspring.

Despite the colorful name and attractive "pimple" this crocodile is capable of causing horror and fear. In length, it reaches up to 5 meters.

Lives in South America. It usually grows up to 4.7 meters, but with good nutrition it can grow up to 6 meters.

Another representative of the green and toothy, which can reach 4-4.5 meters in length. The females of this representative of reptiles are somewhat smaller - their length is usually 3 meters.

Inhabits the Indian subcontinent. Its length is usually equal to 4-5 meters. Its wide muzzle and ability to open its mouth wide can put even the most courageous to flight. This crocodile rarely attacks a person, and can also become food for a combed crocodile or tiger.

It grows only up to 3.5 meters in length, but this does not at all make it cute and fluffy. He can become dangerous for those who only dare to doubt his abilities.

Although it is not the largest, but still its size can make you tremble with fear - it is 3 meters long. It lives in the countries of Southeast Asia.

Crocodiles are among the largest predators living in various water bodies. Currently, there are 23 species among these underwater predators.

Top 10 included largest crocodiles in the world that exist or have ever taken place on Earth.

10. African narrow-nosed crocodile | Length 3 meters

Opens the top of the largest crocodiles in the world. The largest individuals of this species are able to grow up to 4 meters, but most often their sizes do not exceed 3 meters. The narrow muzzle of the predator is adapted for catching fish and other small animals. The population is currently poorly understood. The species is widespread in parts of West Africa.

9. Central American crocodile | Length 4.5 meters

It is among the ten largest among the representatives of its family. The maximum size of the animal is 4.5 meters with a weight of 400 kg. This is not only one of the largest crocodiles, but also the fastest predators. Its diet mainly includes fish and small reptiles. There have also been cases of attacks on domestic dogs and other animals that hunters attacked from the water. The population is distributed in the waters of Central America and in the Gulf of Mexico. This species prefers to choose lakes, rivers and swamps as a habitat.

8. Cuban or pearl crocodile | Length 4.9 meters

A large reptile of the family of real crocodiles. The maximum size that this species can reach is 4.9 meters. Among its "relatives" the representative stands out for its brighter coloration and long, powerful legs. It lives in the fresh marshy waters of the Isle of Youth, off the coast of Cuba. Hence its name. The aquatic inhabitant mainly prefers to eat fish, turtles, crabs and some mammals.

7. Nile crocodile | Length 5.5 meters

One of the largest reptiles of the real crocodile family. The maximum length of the body, to which the largest males are able to grow, is 5.5 meters. Such giants weigh about 500 kg. The record holder among the Nile individuals was an individual caught in 1905. The weight of the predator was just over 1 ton, and the length exceeded 6 meters. Tall monsters prefer to choose freshwater swamps and estuaries as habitats. Like all crocodiles, representatives of this species have strong and powerful jaws, the bite force of which exceeds 2 tons. Aquatic inhabitants feed on mammals, birds, reptiles and large fish. Recently, the population of the species has significantly decreased due to active hunting for the skin of the animal.

6. Sharp-snouted crocodile | Length 5.5 meters

It is included in the list of the largest among its relatives. The maximum length of his body most often does not reach more than 4 meters, but there are individuals with a length of 5.5 meters. The approximate weight of the largest representatives is 500 kg. The main source of food for predators is fish, which is clearly indicated by their narrow muzzle. Sometimes snakes, birds, turtles, snails, frogs and other not very large living creatures become its prey. Despite the fact that the species among its own kind is considered less aggressive, cases of attacks on people are known. Recently, the population of sharp-snouted crocodiles has been greatly reduced, which is why the species has been listed in the Red Book in many countries.

5. Alligators | Length 5.8 meters

They are included in the list of the largest reptiles from the order of crocodiles. They differ from the real representatives of the widest muzzle. They can be easily spotted at night, thanks to their red glowing eyes at night. In young individuals, the eyes are highlighted in green. The largest alligators reach 4.5 meters in length, but there are sources that speak of a maximum body length of 5.8 meters. A giant alligator with such a length was caught in the US state of Louisiana and weighed about 1 ton. The habitat of the animal is China and the USA.

4. Gavial | Length 6 meters

It is considered one of the largest crocodiles that exist in nature today. A distinctive feature of the gharial crocodile from other members of the order is a narrow muzzle, adapted for more convenient fishing, which is the animal's diet. The largest individual of this species is capable of reaching 6 meters, but most often there are gharials no more than 5 meters. Giants are practically not adapted to walking on land and spend most of their time in water. The population is distributed in the Hindustan Peninsula, Nepal, India, Myanmar and Pakistan.

3. Salted crocodile | Length 7 meters

Also referred to as the cannibal crocodile, it is one of the largest representatives of its kind. The largest individuals can reach 7 meters in length and weigh about 2 tons. One of these giants was caught in the Philippine Islands. His body reached 6.5 meters, and he weighed more than 1000 kg. Now the monster lives in the local zoo, attracting a large flow of tourists. Predators choose both fresh and salt waters as habitats, so their distribution area is quite wide. They feed on reptiles, large fish, artiodactyls that come to the watering place. There are cases when people became victims of bloodthirsty reptiles. An insidious hunter goes out to catch prey in the dark, when it is almost impossible to notice him. At the same time, combed crocodiles are able to run fast enough, reaching speeds of up to 40 km over short distances and only along a straight path.

2. Sarkohuz | Length 15 meters

It ranks second among the largest crocodiles in the world. The extinct species of the Cretaceous period belonged to the genus of giant crocodilomorphs. The animal had a rather impressive size: the maximum length of its body could reach 15 meters, and its weight exceeded 14 tons. He had a huge skull 1.5 meters long and a strong shell that performed defensive purposes when attacked by predatory dinosaurs. The predator had powerful jaws that provided a bite force estimated at 15 tons. Large species of fish and herbivorous dinosaurs served as food for him. Sarcohuses lived in Africa.

1. Deinohuz | Length 16 meters

Tops the list of the largest crocodiles that have ever existed on Earth. The extinct species lived approximately 80 million years ago, from the end of the Cretaceous period to the Neogene. The skeleton of the found giant predator was 16 meters. According to scientists, the weight of the animal exceeded 15 tons. The conducted studies suggest that the life cycle of Deinochus was 50 years, while it had the same growth rates as ordinary crocodiles. Presumably, the predator could have dealt with a large dinosaur in order to dine with them. Large sea turtles also became his victims, with which he dealt with his powerful and strong jaws. Ordinary fish could do as a small snack.

The largest crocodile in the world was 9.9 meters long and was killed in India (Bengal) about 100 years ago. And of the recently caught and living ones, the largest crocodile is considered to be a reptile caught in the Philippines in 2011, 6.19 meters long and weighing more than a ton.

The beast was captured after a three-week hunt by residents of a Philippine village who had lived in fear for more than 20 years. According to them, the predator attacked not only cattle, but also people.

First, the inhabitants set four traps from large fishing nets, but they did not help, the crocodile that fell into them tore them to shreds. The second time the residents used traps made from steel cables, this time the animal failed to escape. It took the strength of a hundred people to pull this monster out of the river.

The representative of the local government, who was also present at the catching of the monster after it was all over, said - " We were very worried, but it was our duty to hunt this creature, since the crocodile was a threat to many villagers».

The captured giant is a member of the combed crocodiles (the largest species of crocodiles on Earth), which are most often found on the islands of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the coast of Australia.

The habitat of the largest crocodiles in the world stretches from eastern India and Sri Lanka along the coast of Southeast Asia to the central regions of Vietnam. However, having a craving for travel and the ability to swim in the open sea, some individuals are found even in Japan.

Today, the world's largest crocodile lives in the city of Bunawan in a specially designated enclosure.

The combed or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) named Cassius is considered the largest living representative of the detachment.

Cassius was recognized as the largest crocodile in captivity in 2013 (5.48 m). The record holder weighs about a ton (998 kg). He was caught in 2011 in Australia. At the moment, the animal is about 100 years old. His full name is Cassius Clay. It was named after famous boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay).


Cassius received the title of the largest crocodile after the death of the previous record holder - the Lolong crocodile, which reached a length of 6.17 meters. Lolong also belonged to the species Crocodylus porosus. Its representatives can live for more than 100 years, grow up to 7 meters and weigh more than a ton.

Sarcosuchus imperator is considered the largest crocodilian ever to have lived. Individuals of this species lived in Africa 110 million years ago. The last fossils were found in the Sahara desert. Scientists suggest that for 50-60 years, crocodiles managed to grow up to 11-12 meters in length and gain up to 8 tons of weight.

The largest crocodile in the world today is the combed crocodile. Males can grow up to seven meters in length and weigh one ton. Unlike males, females, the largest species of crocodiles, are not as big.

They weigh only up to half a ton, and grow up to a maximum of three meters. And, interestingly, these giants can now be seen quite often while walking in Indonesia, Australia and the islands of New Guinea.

Salted crocodiles live in freshwater reservoirs, and here they prefer to breed. However, the reptile feels quite comfortable in salt water. Therefore, sometimes the largest crocodile in the world can even displace sharks from coastal waters. It is worth noting that, as a rule, young individuals live in brackish water, which, in turn, were forced out of their usual place by adults. Saltwater crocodile males periodically fight for territory.

The name of the crocodile "combed" is quite simply explained. The reptile has two ridges, which are located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eyes. Well, the color of the animal changes with age. For example, in a young individual, it is light yellow, and there are spots and dark hairs on the surface. In older relatives, the color is darker. And the belly is distinguished by a light shade, more often white or yellow.

Strong and ruthless

Eats the largest crocodile in the world prefers small fish, reptiles, birds, and large reptiles. But these are juveniles. Adults consume completely different foods. Their menu includes large crabs, turtles, monitor lizards and snakes. Often seasoned crocodiles prey on cattle, in particular, antelopes, buffaloes, wild pigs. And reptiles guard their victims at dusk, when the crocodile is not visible. Food is waiting at the watering hole when it does not even suspect anything. The victim instantly falls into a vice, the strength of the jaws of the crocodile is so great that the bones of the cattle are immediately crushed. After being captured, the beast immediately finds itself under water and is unable to resist.

World's largest crocodile ate 50 people

Reptiles also attack people. Quite a few cases are recorded every year. And it's all human negligence. The crocodile attacks shallow water where, as a rule, a relaxed vacationer swims. However, there are also attacks on land, however, they are quite rare. And, according to experts, usually attacks are provoked by aggression on the part of people.

Maternal instinct

Males become sexually mature at the age of 16, females - much earlier, at 12 years. Salted crocodiles breed exclusively in autumn and winter. The female lays about 50 eggs in a hole and buries it. Inside such a nest, the cubs are together with mud and leaves, which maintain a comfortable temperature in the pit. Three months later, crocodiles are born. The female, usually, is close to the cubs and closely monitors their development, as soon as the mother hears the voices of the children, she begins to tear the hole and help the offspring hatch. However, females are sometimes not too vigilant and eggs become the prey of predatory animals. One way or another, only one percent of the offspring usually survives to puberty, because young individuals are also eaten by other predators.

most valuable

The skin of combed crocodile is incredibly valued in the market. Therefore, over the past 70 years, their numbers have declined significantly. In some countries, the reptile is completely destroyed. A large number of crocodiles can be found in Australia. At least 100,000 people live there.

Filipino record holder

Some time ago, a huge crocodile was caught in the Philippines. Its length was 6.4 meters, and its weight was more than a ton. According to local residents, before the discovery, they began to notice the constant loss of livestock. Then, people began to disappear. After some time, it turned out that the crocodile, which lived in the local area, was to blame for everything. The animal was caught, however, people did not tell anyone about the details of the process of capture. However, there it was not possible to find out whether the caught crocodile is a cannibal. Since there are many predators in the Philippines, they do not mind eating human meat. By the way, it was decided not to kill the captured champion. He was sent to the local zoo to attract tourists.

Sarcosuchus

And at the beginning of the Cretaceous period, the crocodile sarcosuchus lived on the planet. He lived in Africa, and ate fish and herbivorous dinosaurs. For a long time, nothing was known about sarcosuchus, but in the middle of the 20th century, a paleontologist from France, Albert-Felix de Lapparent, discovered the teeth and armor shields of this animal in the Sahara, and later another researcher found six skeletons of an ancient sarcosuchus at once. Therefore, we managed to find out that this crocodile was most likely the largest of all crocodiles that lived on Earth. The body length of the sarcosuchus was 12 meters with a mass of more than 8 tons. Now parts of the body of a predator are stored in one of the Parisian museums.

The biggest alligator

But the largest alligator, which managed to catch, has grown to 5.8 meters in length. It weighed over one ton. Found it on Marsh Island in Louisiana in America. It is noteworthy that next to the record holder there were still quite a few large individuals, but, nevertheless, of smaller sizes.

It is immediately worth noting that it is not difficult to distinguish a crocodile from an alligator. The crocodile has a more elongated muzzle, in addition, a large tooth is visible on the upper jaw. There are only two species in the alligator family. American and Chinese. They live, respectively, only in the USA or China. And the latter is now on the verge of extinction. American alligators can be found in a number of areas of the country, in Florida alone there are more than a million individuals. By the way, alligators are bred specifically for the sake of meat and valuable skin.

At first glance, alligators may seem slow. But this is far from true. At short distances, the reptile can develop an amazing speed - up to 45 kilometers per hour. So a person, with all the desire, cannot run away from a predator. Young individuals feed on insects, snails, small fish, crustaceans. Adult alligators eat birds, turtles, large fish, and occasionally carrion. They can attack adult animals. But predators are afraid to attack a person. However, for the sake of protection, they step over fears.
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