American Crocodile

Good morning everyone,

This post will deal with the American Crocodile in the Mangrove Habitat.

The American Crocodile or the Crocodylus acutus, is the species of crocodilian found in North and South America. Do not let this statement fool you, this 20-ft long dinosaur can be found in various nations in South American, but it can only be found in Southern Florida, in North American. The American crocodile is considered one of the largest species of crocodile on the planet.

What is Looks like, Physical description, in other words, the Good Stuff

The American crocodile is a quadruped, with four short, splayed lets, a long tail, with scutes running down its back and a long snout. The crocodiles eyes are one of a kind, they have nictitating membranes for protection. Often times when a predator is caught in the jaws of a crocodile, they will attack its eyes.

As you can see in the picture below, its nostrils, eyes, and ears are situated on the top of its head. These ancient creatures often crawl on their bellies and can reach a speed of 10-mph on land. It is in the water that these creatures thrive in, be able to reach speeds as fast as 20-mph.

At birth they are on average, 9 inches and can become over 20 feet long, weighing in at 2,220 pounds.

The American Crocodile is considered an endangered species.

An interesting fact is that if the water the crocodile is in is colder than 45 degrees F, then the creature will die. Also, crocodiles have a Palatal Flap in the back of their throat that stops water from entering their throat and drowning them. This gives them that ability to have their mouths open under water. Pretty Cool eh?

Crocodiles and Mangroves, who could want more?

Crocodiles and Mangroves have an interesting interaction between each other. The American Crocodile, thrives in Salt water. Due to this scientist, believe that is the reason they grow faster than the American alligator. The Mangroves also provided double the salinity as anywhere else, making it an ideal living location for the animal.

These crocodiles are Apex Predators, eating anything that it feels like. As it gets older, it moves on to bigger prey. For example, a baby crocodile will eat insects, small reptiles, and fish. Were as a full grown male crocodile will eat sharks, people, pets, cattle...you name it, it will eat it.

Conclusion

Crocodiles are at the top of the food chain, not just in North and South America, but all over the world. The American Crocodile, that is uniquely found in North and South American Mangroves, is a bit different then crocodiles from around the world. It thrives in high salinity water, that actually helps it grow. The other organisms that will be presented on this page coexist with the crocodile because they are to small.

I hope was informative, if you have any questions, feel free to post questions in the comment section.

Sources

1May11, Crocodile Specialist Group, Crocodylus acutus. 2006. www.iucnredlist.org

1May11, Guggisberg, C. Crocodiles: Their Natural History, Folklore, and Conservation. pg 195.

1May11, Gregg, Gordon, Morphology & Physiology of the Crocodylia.

1May11, Kushlan, J, "Historic and present distribution of the American Crocodile.

1May11, Wiki Crocodile.