Crocodile Facts for Kids

A Small Crocodile
  • Name: Crocodile
  • Family: Crocodylidae
  • Type Species: Crocodylus niloticus
  • Total Living Species: 15
  • Lifespan: Between 35 and 75 years
  • Diet: Carnivore
  • Length: Between 4.9 and 23 feet (varies by species)

19 Crocodile Facts for Kids

  1. A crocodile is a large semiaquatic reptile that is a member of the Crocodylinae subfamily.
  2. The type species for crocodiles is the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).
  3. There are 15 different living species of crocodiles in three different genera.
  4. The three different genera containing living species of crocodiles are Crocodylus (12 species), Osteolaemus (1 specie) and Mecistops (2 species).
  5. Crocodiles can be found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia.
  6. Some crocodile species live in freshwater, while others live in saltwater.
  7. The estimated lifespan of all species of crocodiles is between 30 and 40 years.
  8. The estimated lifespan of the larger species of crocodiles is between 60 and 70 years.
  9. Crocodiles are carnivores and considered apex predators. They hunt by ambushing their prey.
  10. Crocodiles have around 80 teeth and these teeth get replaced around 50 times during their life.
  11. Crocodile species vary in size, with lengths between 4.9 and 23 feet.
  12. Crocodile species vary in weight, weighing between 40 and 2,200 pounds.
  13. The dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) is the smallest living species of crocodile.
  14. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is estimated to be the largest living species of crocodile.
  15. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) has the strongest bite of all living animals. Their bite can produce up to 5,000 pounds per square inch.
  16. The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is most endangered crocodile species in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has their conservation status as critically endangered.
  17. Crocodiles are very dangerous to humans, and it’s estimated that around 1,000 people a year are killed by a crocodile.
  18. The saltwater and Nile crocodile are the cause of most human deaths from a crocodile.
  19. You can tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator by looking at their snot. Crocodiles have pointed snots, and their upper and lower jaw is equal in size.

Additional Resources with Crocodile Facts

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