Adult Size: Medium-sized crocodile, reaching a length of 13 feet (4 meters).

Headshape: Mandibular symphysis is at the 7th or 8th tooth, similar to M. leptorhynchus, but the overall headshape is shorter and wider in comparison.

Appearance: Unlike M. leptorhynchus, M. cataphractus tends to keep most of their juvenile stripes and coloration into adulthood. M. cataphractus has more bulbous squamosals, than M. leptorhynchus (see the image below).These are not particularly large, but shaped differently. This West African form has keeled scales on the legs and neck, and an overall rougher appearance.

Nuchal Clusters: Pattern with 2 x 2 nuchals and another 2 x 2 post-nuchal pair. There is very little space between the nuchals and the beginning of the osteoderms scale rows down the back.

Flanks: Large, keeled dorsal scale rows.

Other Notes: Two species of Mecistops inhabit Africa. M. cataphractus is in West Africa.

STATUS: Critically Endangered

*Compare with Mecistops leptorhynchus and Tomistoma schlegelii