Adult Size: They can reach a maximum size of nearly 20 feet long (6 meters).

Headshape: Adults have large squamosals: bony ridges on top of their heads. (See the image on the next page.)

Appearance: Adults frequently retain yellow or olive green color ation with dark crossbands into adulthood.

Nuchal Clusters: A pattern of 4 x 2 with two large pairs of post-occipitals and a small pair of post-nuchals.

Flanks: There are even rows of very large scales on the flanks.

Other Notes: This is one of the largest crocodilians. It was once thought that these animals ranged across the whole African continent. It has since been divided into two species with C. niloticus inhabiting the wetlands of eastern and southern Africa. They can be quite vocal animals even as adults. Adult animals will elicit a distress groan or growl when captured.

STATUS: Least Concern

*Compare with Crocodylus suchus