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Home > Crocodiles > Crocodilians > Nile Crocodile

Nile Crocodile

Nile crocodile is a species of crocodile found extensively in large parts of Africa. It is considered the second largest reptile in the world, second only to the saltwater crocodile. Like other crocodile species, it is lethargic and spends long hours basking. The species possess a rich vocal range and good hearing ability.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Superorder Crocodylomorpha
    Order Crocodilia
    Family Crocodylidae
    Genus Crocodylus
    Scientific Name Crocodylus niloticus


    Other Names Mamba, Garwe, Ngwenya, African Crocodile, Ethiopian Crocodile
    Size 3.5 and 5 m; largest recorded specimen measured 6.45 m
    Weight 225 to 750 kg; largest recorded specimen weighed around 1090 kg
    Color Dark bronze above with faded blackish spots and stripes appearing variably across the back; shabby off-yellow on the belly while the flanks are yellowish-green with dark oblique stripe patches appearing in highly variable patterns
    Distribution Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Uganda, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Malawi, Gabon, Sudan, Botswana, Mozambique, Cameroon
    Habitat Rivers, lakes, marshes, dams, preferring broad waterbodies than smaller ones
    Diet Mainly fish, but also feed on zebras, small hippos, birds, porcupines, other crocodiles, carrion
    Hibernation Fact Undergoes aestivation
    Breeding Season Dry season
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 25 to 80 eggs
    Incubation Period Around 3 months
    Reproductive Age 12 to 16 years of age
    Average Lifespan Around 45 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Nile Crocodile Pictures Gallery

    Published on November 8th 2016 by under Crocodiles,Crocodilians. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.

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