Gharial
Gavialis gangeticus
5,5 mAdult male
total length
total length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass
- 159–181 kgZakres źródłowy
Gharial — size comparison
The gharial inhabits rivers in India and Nepal and is among the most specialised living crocodilians. Its very long, narrow snout and numerous teeth are adapted
Silhouette comparison
Length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaReference values · details in the profiles
Total lengthScale in m
0246
5.5 m
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Gharial — size comparison — facts and sources
The gharial inhabits rivers in India and Nepal and is among the most specialised living crocodilians. Its very long, narrow snout and numerous teeth are adapted to catching fish. The slender head differs from that of crocodiles that also hunt large land vertebrates.
It spends most of its time in water, favouring deeper sections of large rivers. Quick head movements catch prey, while a powerful tail maintains position and supports travel in the current. It mainly comes onto land to bask on sandy banks.
Females lay eggs in riverside sand, making suitable sandbanks and undisturbed nesting sites important to breeding. Altered flow, sand extraction and fishing nets can affect the stretches of river they use.