Description

Nile crocodile skull replica Information

Nile crocodile skull replica measures 18.0 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches. Nile Crocodile Skull Replica is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of original specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA.

Biology & Distribution

• Habitat: It is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring mostly in the central, eastern, and southern regions of the continent, and lives in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshlands.
• Size: On average, the adult male Nile crocodile is between 11.5 and 16.4 ft. in length and weighs 500 to 1,650 lb. However, specimens exceeding 20 ft. in length and weighing up to 2,400 lb. have been recorded. It is the largest freshwater predator in Africa.

Hunting Mechanics & Diet

• Predatory Behavior: Nile crocodiles are opportunistic apex predators; a very aggressive species of crocodile, they are capable of taking almost any animal within their range. They are generalists, taking a variety of prey.
• Bite: Nile crocodiles have an extremely powerful bite that is unique among all animals, and sharp, conical teeth that sink into flesh, allowing for a grip that is almost impossible to loosen.
• Lethality: They can apply high levels of force for extended periods of time, a great advantage for holding down large prey underwater to drown.
• Agility: They are agile predators and wait for the opportunity for prey to come well within attack range. Even swift prey are not immune to attack.
• Diet: Their diet consists mostly of different species of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They are ambush predators that can wait for hours, days, and even weeks for the suitable moment to attack.

Scientific classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodilia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Genus: Crocodylus
• Species: C. niloticus
• Binomial name: Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti, 1768
• Temporal range: Late Miocene–Present, 7–0 Ma
• Conservation status: Least concerned (IUCN)

For those fascinated by unique herpetology, we also offer replicas of the West African slender-snouted crocodile, false gharial crocodile, or the American crocodile. Shop for more museum-quality replicas in our reptile replica store.