Crocodiles are the largest reptiles on the planet today. They are surprisingly fast, powerful, and deadly to anything that crosses their paths. While not all crocodile species are the same, it can be hard to tell them apart. They have many similarities in their looks and preferred habitats. Two of the largest crocodiles are the Nile and the saltwater crocodiles. We’re going to perform a Nile crocodile vs saltwater crocodile comparison and show you what makes these creatures special and tell you where you’re most likely to see them!
Comparing a Nile Crocodile and a Saltwater Crocodile
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| Nile Crocodile | Saltwater Crocodile | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Weight: 500-910 lbs, up to 2,400 lbs Length: 9-15 feet, up to 21 feet | Weight: 400- 1,150 lbs, up to 2,200 pounds Length: 10-21 feet, up to 23 ft or longer |
| Species | Crocodylus niloticus | Crocodylus porosus |
| Morphology | – Quadrupedal – Bronze color on top of its body with yellowish-brown on its sides – Cream-colored underside with spotted sides – Has scutes running down its body | – Quadrupedal – Wider snout than other species – Small scutes compared to other crocodiles – Greenish color on top, with tan or gray colors on the side, and yellowish or white underside – May have spots or stripes on its sides |
| Location | – Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar – A population may be growing in the U.S. – Can tolerate saltwater, but it’s usually found in freshwater rivers – Prefers rivers, streams, tidal lakes, estuaries, | – Found in coastal areas from eastern India to Southeast Asia and Australia – Typically lives in rivers, mangrove swamps, and coastal waters – Can spend long periods of time at sea, swimming between islands and countries |
| Prey | – Apex predator in its range – Reptiles, birds, zebras, wildebeests, frogs, waterfowl, and others – Capable of eating just about anything in its range, including people | – Various fish, crustaceans, snakes, birds, cattle, boar, crabs, insects, turtles, and humans – An apex predator that can consume just about anything in its range |
| Relationship to Humans | – Considered to be far more aggressive than the American crocodile toward humans – Responsible for about 1,000 human deaths every year. | – Not believed to be as aggressive as Nile crocodiles – Still attack and kill dozens of people per year and |
The Key Differences Between a Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile
The most significant differences between a Nile crocodile and a saltwater crocodile are their size, color, and preferred habitats.
Saltwater crocodiles are larger than Nile crocodiles on average, weighing between 400 and 1,150 pounds, while the Nile crocodile averages between 500 and 910 pounds.
Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile: Size
©Gaston Piccinetti/Shutterstock.com
On average, saltwater crocodiles are larger than Nile crocodiles, but they both have similar maximum sizes. The largest saltwater crocodiles are believed to reach up to 23 feet in length and weigh over 2,200 pounds. Their average size is believed to be between 400 and 1,150 pounds and 10 to 21 feet long.
However, Nile crocodiles have an average size of 500 to 910 pounds and between 9 and 15 feet. The largest Nile crocodile measured about 21 feet and weighed upwards of 2,400 pounds.
Overall, the saltwater crocodile is considered the largest reptile species alive today.
Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile: Species
The Nile crocodile belongs to the species Crocodylus niloticus, and the saltwater crocodile belongs to the species Crocodylus porosus.
When you hear the term “saltwater crocodile,” it’s easy to become confused. After all, crocodiles can abide living in saltwater and freshwater for the most part. For example, the American crocodile spends most of its life in or near saltwater, but the Nile crocodile prefers freshwater.
Saltwater crocodile refers to a specific species and not necessarily the creature’s habitats.
Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile: Location
©Johan Swanepoel/Shutterstock.com
The Nile crocodile lives in sub-Saharan Africa, in the freshwater river from which it gains its name along with many others on the continent. Their range stretches to the continent’s southern portions and even Madagascar.
Also, humans have found Nile crocodiles in the United States. The reptile species may be reproducing in the Everglades, hidden from human sight.
The saltwater crocodile is found in rivers, swamps, and coastal waters from the east coast of India throughout much of Southeast Asia and to the northern coasts of Australia. These crocodiles can spend significant amounts of time at sea, and they can swim long distances.
Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile: Prey
©Pius Rino Pungkiawan/Shutterstock.com
Both Nile and saltwater crocodiles are apex predators. They hunt without fear of being killed. Yet, their different living areas give them access to different prey. For example, saltwater crocodiles can eat water buffalo, cattle, boar, crabs, turtles, snakes, fish, and humans.
Nile crocodiles attack zebras, wildebeests, frogs, waterfowl, other reptiles, and human beings. Both of these creatures are highly effective predators that attack and consume just about anything in their range.
Nile Crocodile vs Saltwater Crocodile: Interactions with Humans
©Mari Swanepoel/Shutterstock.com
Nile crocodiles pose a significant threat to human life. It’s estimated that they attack and kill about 1,000 people per year. These crocodiles are very aggressive toward people.
Saltwater crocodiles are less aggressive toward human beings than Nile crocodiles. However, they still attack and kill dozens or even a few hundred people yearly.
Interestingly, the deadliest crocodile attack in human history was committed by saltwater crocodiles. This attack occurred in Myanmar during World War II. It’s estimated that 500 soldiers died in the mangrove swamps on Ramree Island as they blindly fled into crocodile territory. We’ll never know how many the crocodiles took for certain, though.
As you can see, the saltwater crocodile and the Nile crocodile are similar creatures. However, the Nile crocodile is more aggressive, lives in a different part of the world, and averages a smaller size compared with the saltwater crocodile. Your best bet is to stay far away from either one of these massive reptiles in the wild!
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Sources
- Northern Territory Government, Available here: https://becrocwise.nt.gov.au/about-crocodiles/saltwater-crocodiles#:~:text=Saltwater%20crocodiles%20mostly%20eat%20fish,reptiles%2C%20frogs%20and%20small%20fish.
- Northern Territory Government, Available here: https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1018913/northern-territory-saltwater-crocodile-risk-management-framework-2021-26.pdf
- Ingenta, Available here: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/whp/eh/2016/00000022/00000003/art00006https://www.jstor.org/stable/1562913?origin=crossref
- Environmental Conservation Online System, Available here: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1933
