Ganges Gavial Skull Replica

Description

Ganges gavial skull replica measures 31.0 x 9.5 x 5.25 inches. The Tomistoma schlegelii skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The Ganges gharial is native to the sandy riverbanks of northern India. This animal grows an extremely long and thin snout. It carries 27 to 29 upper teeth and 25 to 26 lower teeth on each side of its jaws. The front teeth grow the largest. Its thin snout helps the reptile slice through the water quickly to catch food.

Young gharials have dark olive or brownish skin color with dark spots across their backs. They have a pale or white belly.

They eat a massive amount of fish every day because their thin jaws can only catch water animals. They also snatch small frogs, crabs, and insects in the shallows.

In addition to fish and smaller aquatic animals, mature adults prey on larger vertebrates, including proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaques, deer, water birds, and reptiles.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodilia
• Family: Gavialidae
• Subfamily: Tomistominae
• Genus: Tomistoma
• Species: T. schlegelii
• Binomial name: Tomistoma schlegelii
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

Gretta, the Ganges gavial skull replica, swims laps in the deep end of the pool. She slices through the water with her long, thin snout.

Fakie, the false gharial crocodile skull replica, lounges on a plastic chair by the edge. She sips a cold lemonade and applies sunscreen to her nose.

Frank, the false gharial large crocodile skull replica, fires up the backyard grill. He flips juicy burgers and hot dogs for the hungry crew.

Whippy, the West African slender-snouted crocodile skull replica, tunes his acoustic guitar on the patio. He plays a cheerful melody for his friends on this sunny afternoon.