Our Crocodiles

Meet Fred the Freshwater Crocodile and Sammi the Saltwater Crocodile. Like me, crocodiles only like warm water, and that is why they are only found in northern Australia.

Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

Freshwater Crocodiles are smaller and have more dainty features when compared to Saltwater Crocodiles. They have a long and narrow snout, and generally only grow to 2 meters in length, although some individuals are capable of reaching 3 meters.

Freshwater Crocodiles are confined to permanent freshwater river, creeks, lagoons and billabongs. They are regarded as being shy and timid by nature, and don’t pose a threat to humans. These carnivorous animals prey on fish, invertebrates, birds, turtle, small reptiles and small mammals. A recent emerging threat to Freshwater Crocodile populations is the introduced pest, the Cane Toad. Any crocodile that eats a Cane Toad will subsequently die.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Make sure you give Sammi a big crocodile smile when he visits you!

Saltwater Crocodiles are often call Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine refers to the inland water area where freshwater meets saltwater. Saltwater Crocodiles are found along northern Australia and Queensland. They are generally found in coastal rivers and swamps with them occasionally seen in the open sea. But don’t think that saltwater crocodiles only live in salty or estuarine waters, they can also live in freshwater.

Saltwater Crocodiles appear to be wearing an armour-suit. The plate-like scales on the crocodiles back are hard, tough and strong; they provide protection from any predator (not that they have many). They are also a dark brown-grey-green colour for camouflage. The scales on the crocodiles belly are whitish and smooth. Make sure you touch Sammi’s back and belly, they feel very different.