恒河鳄

• The jaws of the Indian gavial cannot kill and swallow prey larger than a certain size. As gavials grow, so does the size of their prey.
• The Indian gavial is a unique animal among modern crocodiles. It is the last representative of an ancient genus and the second species in the gharial family.
• The mother Indian gavial cannot carry her young into water, as her jaws are not adapted for this. Unlike other crocodiles, she cannot do this.
• The Indian gavial spends more time in water than any other crocodile. It comes onto land only to warm up or lay eggs.
• The Indian gavial can kill small mammals. The largest individuals reach a size that allows them to do this.
• Male Indian gavials can reach lengths of 5–5.5 meters, although they usually do not exceed 4–4.5 meters. Females typically reach 3–3.5 meters, rarely larger.
• The Indian gavial has tightly fitting plates on its belly that protect it from injuries when rubbing against sharp rocks in water. Some individuals have epibiotic crustaceans from the suborder sea urchins due to prolonged time in water.
• Indian gavial eggs weigh up to 160 grams, heavier than those of other crocodiles; a clutch contains 35–60 eggs. The female digs a hole in the sand approximately 3–5 meters from water.
• The Indian gavial has the most teeth of all crocodiles — up to a hundred. Its teeth are much smaller than those of other crocodiles.
• The body of the Indian gavial is five times longer than its base. In juveniles, this difference is smaller.
• Of all the offspring of the Indian gavial, only 1–2 reach sexual maturity, despite the mother’s care for several weeks. The rest die, becoming prey.
• Male Indian gavials produce bubbles underwater using a growth during courtship. Their mating season lasts from November to January.