Saltwater Crocodile
(Crocodylus porosus) Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptila Order: Crocodylia Family: Crocodilidae |
Morphology
The saltwater crocodile has a wide snout compared to most crocodiles. Its length is twice its width at the base. The saltwater crocodile has fewer armor plates on its neck than other crocodilians. On this species, a pair of ridges runs from the eyes along the center of the snout. The scales are oval in shape and the scutes are small compared to other species. The adult saltwater crocodile's broad body contrasts with that of most other lean crocodiles. The head is very large. Skull lengths of more than 30 in have been confirmed for the species and mandibular lengths have been reported of up to 38.7 in (female skull lengths of over 20 in are exceptional). The teeth are also long, with the largest teeth (the fourth tooth from the front on the lower jaw) having been measured to 3.5 in in length. If detached from the body, the head of a very large male crocodile can reportedly scale over 440 lb alone. |