What kind of crocodile hunts sharks?
The saltwater crocodile is one of the only crocodiles able to regularly kill and eat sharks. Crocodiles are some of the most durable and long-standing reptiles on earth. They’ve been around since the dinosaurs and have made it a point to survive through the harshest conditions. Crocs have thus adapted to become some of the best predators in the modern age. There are 24 recognized species of crocodilians (including alligators and caimans) and 14 species of “true” crocodiles. Of the true crocs, only a few can take down the ocean’s greatest predators: sharks. The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile in the world, the largest living crocodilian and a hyper-carnivorous apex predator. Since saltwater crocodiles live in brackish and saltwater, they are regularly in regions where sharks patrol.
Are there any videos or photos of saltwater crocodiles hunting sharks?
The saying, “pics or it didn’t happen,” is definitely worth mentioning when people start talking about “sharks versus crocodile showdowns.” In many cases, animal showdowns in the wild are a bit blown out of proportion. But in the case of saltwater crocodiles, all the rumors are true.
Brutus, the Crocodile That Eats Sharks
One of the most famous instances of saltwater crocodiles preying on sharks involved a celebrity croc named Brutus. Brutus is renowned along the Adelaide River in Australia, and tour guides are always sure to point him out. It’s believed that Brutus is over 80 years old! While touring one day, Brutus was spotted chasing a fin sticking out of the water. When the boat pulled up, they all realized what was happening: Brutus had caught and was eating a bull shark! The shark was estimated to be about five feet long, the perfect Brutus-sized snack. As the people watched, Brutus delivered a fatal snap of the jaws and swam off with his prize in his mouth. The photos soon made their way online with such a big crowd present.
Saltwater Croc Steals Fisherman’s Catch
In a recent video, a fisherman snags a bull shark pup on his line. The commotion attracts the attention of a nearby croc, and within seconds, the croc is speeding toward the 100-lb shark, looking for its next meal. It only took a few seconds before it was all over.
And more!
There are dozens and dozens of examples of saltwater crocodiles eating sharks. A simple search online is all it takes to pull up picture after picture of massive crocodiles taking on formidable sharks.
Where do saltwater crocodiles live?
As their name suggests, saltwater crocs are perfectly at home in salt water, but that doesn’t always mean oceans. Let’s see where these crocodiles live. Most saltwater crocodiles are across Australasia and the eastern coast of India. More specifically, they roam the waters across India’s east coast, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, East Timor, Palau, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Australia’s north coast. Regarding habitat, saltwater crocodiles prefer coastal regions, mangrove swamps, and river deltas. They can even swim across large portions of the open ocean, searching for new territory.
How do saltwater crocodiles survive in salty water?
Many animals that traditionally live in freshwater can’t survive in saltwater. The saltwater croc has some specially adapted biology which helps it become its ocean-dwelling predator. The most significant factor that allows a saltwater croc to have sustained travel in high salinity is the presence of salt glands located under their tongues. These salt-excreting glands excrete sodium and chloride ions and keep the bodies of the crocs from becoming too saline. Many other crocodilians have these glands, but saltwater crocs seem predisposed not to mind salty water.
How big do saltwater crocodiles get?
Saltwater crocodiles are truly massive creatures. They are currently listed as the largest reptile in the world, with the only comparable reptiles being other crocodiles. On average, they grow between 15 and 20 feet long and weigh 2,900 lbs.
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