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Home > Crocodilians > Gharial

Gharial

Gharial crocodile is a species of crocodile belonging to the family Gavialidae, found in the northern region of the Indian Subcontinent. The species is one of the largest of all extant crocodilians. It is the most aquatic of all living crocodilians and unlike other crocodilians, do not have the semi-upright stance of walking on land – it can only move in a forward sliding motion on land.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Crocodilia
    Family Gavialidae
    Genus Gavialis
    Scientific Name Gavialis gangeticus


    Other Names Gavial, Fish-eating crocodile
    Size 3.5 to 4.5 m; largest recorded specimen measures 6.25 m
    Weight Average weight of males is around 160 kg; largest recorded specimen weigh 977 kg
    Color Above is dark or light olive with dark patches and cross-bands on the head, body and tail; gray-black upper surface with yellowish -white lower surface
    Distribution India, Nepal
    Habitat Rivers, tributaries
    Diet Fish, small crustaceans
    Hibernation Fact Hibernate during winter at the bottom of the waterbodies
    Breeding Season December – January
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 20 to 95 eggs
    Incubation Period 71 – 93 days
    Reproductive Age Around 10 years of age
    Average Lifespan 40 – 60 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Critically Endangered

    Gharial Pictures Gallery

    Published on November 23rd 2016 by under Crocodilians. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.

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