Adult Size: Medium-sized crocodile and smaller than M. cataphractus, reaching lengths around 11.5 feet or 3.5 meters.

Headshape: The mandibular symphysis at the 7th or 8th tooth, similar to M. cataphractus, with a longer and more slender head shape.

Appearance: Unlike M. cataphractus, M. leptorhynchus becomes more uniform in color as an adult. The Central African form has smooth scales on the legs and neck, instead of keeled scales.

Nuchal Clusters: Patterned with 2 x 2 nuchals and another 2x2 post-nuchal pair. These scutes are more rhomboidal and appear to be making one continuous shape without separation of the nuchal and post-nuchal scales.

Flanks: Smaller, reduced keeled scales arranged in loose rows.

Other Notes: Two species of Mecistops inhabit Africa. M. leptorhynchus is in Central Africa.

STATUS: Endangered

*Compare with Mecistops cataphractus and Tomistoma schlegelii