Interesting Facts about Crocodiles for Kids

Crocodiles, also called living fossils, are large sized reptiles, mostly found in Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Australia. They are closely related to dinosaurs. They mostly live in freshwater rivers but some of them live in salt water too. These are social animals and prefer to live near each other. They are dark green when adults and yellow when young. To know more about crocodiles, their characters and crocodile features, keep reading ahead.

Crocodile

Interesting Facts about Crocodiles 

• Crocodiles have the strongest bite of any animal in the world.

• They have fun by playing in streams, pushing sticks and riding on each other’s back.

• Crocodiles sleep a lot and most of the time their eyes remain closed. They sleep for at least 17 hours a day.

• They can survive for a long time without food. If we talk about what they eat, it includes fish, frogs, birds and other animals. Moreover, they steal food from other predators.

• They don’t have a bulletproof body and their skin is dry and scaly.

• Crocodiles are not found in Europe and Antarctica.

• The Nile crocodile is always featured in cartoon and Tarzan movies.

• Dwarf crocodiles are the smallest breed.

• Crocodiles produce tears when they eat.

Crocodile Tears

Some Features of Crocodiles

The following are some of the most common and must-know crocodile features. 

• Crocodiles have thick leathery skin.

• Their eyes are present on top of their head.

• They have cone shaped and sharp teeth. All of them have similar toothy smiles.

• They have large broad bodies, short legs and long muscular tails.

• They are good predators.

• Their tongue is attached to the bottom of its mouth so it never moves.

Parts of a Crocodile

Characteristics of Crocodiles

Crocodiles have the following characteristics.

• Crocodiles are fast swimmers.

• They have 60-110 teeth and replace 6000 teeth in their lifetime.

• Their lifespan is 30-70 years.

• Crocodiles have good night vision. 

• Their sense of smell is very strong.

• Crocodiles use their teeth to hold their prey, not to chew it.

• They have powerful jaws.

• Crocodiles don't chew their food.

• Crocodiles are excellent hunters and predators.

Crocodiles have Powerful Jaws and Teeth

What Is Unique about Crocodiles?

Crocodiles have a unique body. Their eyes, ears and nostrils remain above the surface of water but most of the body lies in the water. This makes them easily capture their prey. The largest reptiles on earth are saltwater crocodiles. Crocodile bite is stronger and more powerful than a great white shark. Crocodiles eat fish, frogs, birds, reptiles and even large animals like hippo and buffalo 

Solved Questions

1. What do crocodiles eat?

Ans: They eat fish, turtles, birds and small animals.

2. Do crocodiles have tongues?

Ans: The tongues of crocodiles are not free, but held in place by a membrane that limits movement. Therefore, they are unable to stick out their tongues.

3. How do crocodiles breathe?

Ans: Crocodiles breathe mostly through their mouths.

Summary

Crocodiles play an important role in the environment. When they are adults, they 

regulate prey population and prevent their overcrowding. Crocodiles also create habitats for other animals by burrowing and making nests for them. They eat ailing fish in a higher proportion than healthy fish, thereby improving the common health of the fish stock.  

Crocodile Hunting Fish