Nile crocodile is a large crocodile native to freshwater habitats in Africa.
Its body has dark bronze colouration, with faded blackish spots and stripes variably appearing across the back. It has a huge, teeth-filled mouth. It can reach a maximum size of about 20 feet.
Its diet includes mainly fish, but it does not mind eating other animals such as zebras, small hippos, porcupines, birds and even other crocodiles.
The females keep constant guard over the nest during the three-month incubation period. Just before hatching, the young crocs send out high-pitched sounds a signal for help. The female digs up the nest for young ones to emerge from the eggs.
Nile crocodiles have a dark bronze colouration above, with black spots on the back and a dirty purple on the belly. The flanks, which are yellowish-green in colour, have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes. There is some variation relative to environment; specimens from swift-flowing waters tend to be lighter in colour than those dwelling in lakes or swamps. They have green eyes.
Like all crocodiles, the Nile crocodile is a quadruped with four short, splayed legs, a long, powerful tail, a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail, and powerful jaws. It has nictitating membranes to protect the eyes and lachrymal glands to cleanse its eyes with tears. The nostrils, eyes, and ears are situated on the top of the head, so the rest of the body can remain concealed underwater. The coloration also helps to camouflage it; juveniles are grey, multicoloured, or brown, with dark cross-bands on the tail and body. As it matures, it becomes darker and the cross-bands fade, especially those on the body. The underbelly is yellowish green.
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