Post by DinosaurMichael on Feb 23, 2012 14:27:09 GMT -5
Freshwater Crocodile - Crocodylus johnsoni
The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni), also known as the Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnston's crocodile or colloquially as freshie, is a species of reptile endemic to the northern regions of Australia. It is much smaller than the other Australian species, the saltwater crocodile, which is responsible for attacks on people. Unlike their larger saltwater relatives, freshwater crocodiles are not known as man-eaters and rarely cause fatalities although they will bite in self-defense if cornered. However as prey for larger adults can include wallabies, small children should not be left unattended in their presence, although no such attacks have been reported. The freshwater crocodile is a relatively small crocodilian. Males can grow to around 3 metres (9.8 ft) long, while females reach a maximum size of 2.1 metres (6.9 ft). In areas such as Lake Argyle and Katherine Gorge there exist a handful of confirmed 4 metres (13 ft) individuals. This species is shy and has a more slender snout than the dangerous saltwater crocodile. The body colour is light brown with darker bands on the body and tail — these tend to be broken up near the neck. Some individuals possess distinct bands or speckling on the snout. Body scales are relatively large, with wide, close-knit armoured plates on the back. Rounded, pebbly scales cover the flanks and outsides of the legs.
Spectacled Caiman - Caiman crocodilus
The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), also known as the white caiman or common caiman, is a crocodilian reptile found in much of Central and South America. It lives in a range of lowland wetland and riverine habitat types and can tolerate salt water as well as fresh; due in part to this adaptability it is the most common of all crocodilian species. Males of the species are generally 2 to 2.5 metres (6.6 to 8.2 ft), while females are smaller, usually around 1.4 metres (4.6 ft). They mainly weigh up to 40 kg (88 lbs). The species' common name comes from a bony ridge between the eyes, which gives the appearance of a pair of spectacles. They have been known to change color. During colder weather the black pigment, found within their skin cells, will expand making them darker.
The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni), also known as the Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnston's crocodile or colloquially as freshie, is a species of reptile endemic to the northern regions of Australia. It is much smaller than the other Australian species, the saltwater crocodile, which is responsible for attacks on people. Unlike their larger saltwater relatives, freshwater crocodiles are not known as man-eaters and rarely cause fatalities although they will bite in self-defense if cornered. However as prey for larger adults can include wallabies, small children should not be left unattended in their presence, although no such attacks have been reported. The freshwater crocodile is a relatively small crocodilian. Males can grow to around 3 metres (9.8 ft) long, while females reach a maximum size of 2.1 metres (6.9 ft). In areas such as Lake Argyle and Katherine Gorge there exist a handful of confirmed 4 metres (13 ft) individuals. This species is shy and has a more slender snout than the dangerous saltwater crocodile. The body colour is light brown with darker bands on the body and tail — these tend to be broken up near the neck. Some individuals possess distinct bands or speckling on the snout. Body scales are relatively large, with wide, close-knit armoured plates on the back. Rounded, pebbly scales cover the flanks and outsides of the legs.
Spectacled Caiman - Caiman crocodilus
The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), also known as the white caiman or common caiman, is a crocodilian reptile found in much of Central and South America. It lives in a range of lowland wetland and riverine habitat types and can tolerate salt water as well as fresh; due in part to this adaptability it is the most common of all crocodilian species. Males of the species are generally 2 to 2.5 metres (6.6 to 8.2 ft), while females are smaller, usually around 1.4 metres (4.6 ft). They mainly weigh up to 40 kg (88 lbs). The species' common name comes from a bony ridge between the eyes, which gives the appearance of a pair of spectacles. They have been known to change color. During colder weather the black pigment, found within their skin cells, will expand making them darker.
