Crocodile 60cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
The Nile Crocodile is Africa's largest crocodilian: these primordial brutes reach a maximum size of about 20 feet (6 meters) and can weigh up to 1,650 pounds (730 kilograms). Average sizes though are more in the range of 16 feet (5 meters) and 500 pounds (225 kilograms). Nile crocodiles have a dark bronze colouration above, with black spots on the back and a dirty yellow on the belly. The flanks, which are yellowish green in colour have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes. Their eyes are green. Like all crocodiles, they are quadrupeds with four short, splayed legs; long, powerful tails; a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down their back and tail; and powerful jaws. Nostrils, eyes and ears are situated on the tops of their head, so the rest of the body can remain concealed underwater. Their coloration also helps them hide.

Habitat
Nile Crocodiles live throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin and Madagascar in rivers, freshwater marshes and mangrove swamps.

Behaviour
The bite force exerted by an adult Nile crocodile has been shown to measure 5,000lbs of force. However, the muscles responsible for opening the mouth are exceptionally weak, allowing a man to easily hold them shut with a small amount of force.

Breeding
One unusual characteristic of this fearsome predator is its caring nature as a parent. Where most reptiles lay their eggs and move on, mother and father Nile crocodiles ferociously guard their nests until the eggs hatch and they will often roll the eggs gently in their mouths to help hatching babies emerge.

Diet
The diet of the Nile crocodile is mainly fish, but it will attack almost anything unfortunate enough to cross its path, including zebras, small hippos, porcupines, birds and other crocodiles. It will also scavenge carrion and can eat up to half its body weight at a feeding.

Strange and Interesting Facts
Did you know? Mummified crocodiles and crocodile eggs have been discovered in Egyptian tombs. The people of Ancient Egypt worshipped Sobek, a crocodile-god associated with fertility, protection and the power of the Pharaoh. The group name for Nile Crocodiles is a Bask (when on land) or a Float (when in water).