American Crocodile Facts | American Crocodile Diet & Habitat

Let us now discover all the essential American crocodile facts including american crocodile diet, habitat, and reproduction. The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a crocodilian species that is known to live in the Neotropics. Of the four extant species, the American crocodile is the most extensive reptile that inhabits all throughout the Pacific coasts of southern Mexico, South America, Atlantic coasts, Venezuela, and Peru. These animals are also found in the waters of Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola. The American crocodile habitat is limited to the Florida across the United States of America. America hosts around 2,000 crocodile species. Their habitats are mostly found at coastal regions. They can grow to a size of about 6.1 meters (20 feet) in South America and Central America.

Interesting American Crocodile Facts

• The American crocodile is a quadruped that has four legs and a powerful tail.
• As in other crocodiles, the ears, eyes, and nostrils are positioned at the top of the head.
• Most of their body is submerged underwater while only necessary parts are visible for breathing.
• They are nest known for their surprise attacks and are perfectly camouflaged themselves while hunting.
• The large crocodiles are capable to charge up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).
• The American crocodiles can swim at a speed of about 20 miles per hour (32 km/h); however, this much speed cannot be retained.
• The American crocodiles are rather more vulnerable to cold as compared to American alligators.
• The hatchlings measure around 22 cm (8.7 inches) in length and weigh around 60 grams (2 oz).
• The average length of adult male crocodiles measure around 4 meters (13 feet), with the weight measuring at 382 kg (840 lb); while females are 3 meters (9.8 feet) long and weighs around 173 kg (380 lb).
• In Florida, the length of these crocodiles measure around 5.2 meters (17 feet), with the average length often found is 4.3 meters (14 feet). There are certain male crocodiles that can grow to a size of about 6 meters (20 feet).
• The American crocodile’s skull is measured at 72.6 cm (28.6 inches) that is associated with the 6.6 meters (22 feet) long crocodiles.
• The large male crocodiles weigh around 400 – 500 kg (880 – 1,100 lb), with some individuals can be as heavy as 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).
• The largest American crocodile ever recorded was t 18 feet (5.5 meters) male inhabiting in the Tarcoles River of Costa Rica.

What Do American Crocodiles Eat

The American crocodiles predominantly prey on fish. They are known to prey on any fish existing in the freshwater via salt water habitats. The American crocodiles living in Florida primarily prey on mullet, tarpon, and bass. These reptiles also consume insects, cattle, several birds, mammals, snails, frogs, crabs, and turtles. They have no natural predator.

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Where Do American Crocodiles Live

The American crocodiles are found in freshwaters, streams, lakes, swamps, mangroves, river mouths, and salt lakes. Some of the most common places where these reptiles are usually found includes Caribbean Islands, southern Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. Within the United States, these crocodiles inhabit across Florida Keys, Florida Bay, Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station, Biscayne Bay, Everglades National Park, and Miami.

Breeding

• The breeding season begins in late fall and early winter.
• The females reach the maturity age at a length of 2.8 meters (9.2 feet).
• The nesting takes place in the months of February and March.
• The female will lay 30 – 70 eggs in its hole.
• These eggs are completely white with the length of about 8 cm (3.1 inches) and the width of 5 cm (2.0 inches).
• The incubation period lasts for about 75 – 80 days.
• These eggs are often eaten by skunks, scavenging mammals, raccoons, and foxes.
• The length of the hatchlings measure around 24 – 27 cm (9.4 – 11 inches).