The largest crocodile in the world, the estuarine crocodile, or “saltie,” is 22 feet long and can weigh up to 2,200 pounds. Other crocodile species include the dwarf crocodile , which is less than six feet long, and the saltwater crocodile.
The warmer tropical waters of the Southern Hemisphere’s wetland ecosystems are home to a range of crocodile species. Because they are unable to control their body temperature inside, they rely largely on the sun to rewarm their bodies after they have submerged themselves in water to chill them.
The Land Down Under
That brings us to the beautiful country of Australia. While the country down under is known for animals such as koalas and kangaroos, one crocodile seems to stand out. Meet Dominator. Dominator, a 20-foot crocodile that weighs more than a metric ton, is reputedly the second-largest crocodile ever seen.
Australia’s saltwater croc populations are expanding, and the Adelaide River is one of the nation’s densely populated regions. Images of a massive crocodile ripping a pig in half before eating it made headlines throughout the world last year.
In comparison to Lolong, who is held captive in the Philippines , he is only three inches shorter. He was caught in 2011, and at 20 feet three inches long from nose to tail, he is the largest living crocodile ever recorded.
This big croc lives in the murky waters of the Adelaide River and likes to show off for tourist boats. While this giant croc will have your jaw on the floor, he’s not the only one in the area. His rival is named Brutus and is ever so slightly smaller than Dominator. One thing’s for sure – you need to be alert when swimming in the Adelaide River.
Crocodile Rivalry
Crocodiles are extremely social creatures that assemble in sizable, mixed groups of adults and young ones. The males, though, become extremely territorial towards the beginning of the mating season and defend their particular stretch of river bank from the competition by raising their massive heads high in the air and howling at intruders.
Proof of dominance can be spotted in how Dominator and Brutus interact with one another. It’s safe to say that these two guys don’t like each other. Dominator will often sneak up behind Brutus and begin chomping on his tail, leaving Brutus thrashing in the water for his life.
rachael m
Poor Lolong. I appreciate the use of the term, “held captive”. Because that is exactly accurate. They are such interesting creatures and likely more complex than they are given credit for.