# Dwarf Crocodile (*Osteolaemus tetraspis*) The Dwarf Crocodile is a small crocodile that likes to hide in the water. They are shy and prefer quiet places. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme - **Habitat:** Forests and swamps - **Also known as:** African Dwarf Crocodile, West African Dwarf ![Dwarf Crocodile](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424512/objects/5732.jpg) ## Appearance The Dwarf Crocodile is a small, stocky reptile with extremely rough, heavily armored dark brown to black scales, sometimes with a lighter, mottled belly. It has a distinctive short, broad snout, unlike most other crocodiles, and prominent bumps behind its eyes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Crocodylia - **Order:** Crocodylia - **Family:** Crocodylidae - **Genus:** Osteolaemus ## Interesting facts - Dwarf crocodiles communicate with growls, chirps, and even snorts to other crocs! - Female dwarf crocodiles guard their nests fiercely until the eggs hatch. - They are the smallest crocodile species in the entire world! - This croc holds its breath underwater for a long time using special valves! ## Special abilities - **Night Sight Hunter:** Dwarf Crocodiles have excellent night vision that helps them spot prey even in the darkest swamp waters. - **Armored Body:** Dwarf Crocodiles have incredibly tough, bony plates under their skin, giving them strong protection from predators. - **Burrow Dweller:** Dwarf Crocodiles can dig burrows along riverbanks, which helps them hide from danger and escape extreme heat. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 150-190 cm - **Weight:** 18-32 kg - **Lifespan:** 25-50 years - **Speed:** 15 km/h - **Swim Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 10-20 - **Incubation:** 85-105 days - **Maximum Depth:** 10 m ## Diet & Feeding This little croc loves to munch on small fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects in its murky waters! - **Primary Foods:** Fish, Frogs, Crabs, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Nile Tilapia (*Oreochromis niloticus*) — A common fish prey in their habitat. - **Hunts:** Small River Frog (*Phrynobatrachus fraterculus*) — Preys on small amphibians. - **Eaten by:** African Rock Python (*Python sebae*) — Large snakes may prey on young crocodiles. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dwarf Crocodile? Compare scales, body proportions, legs, tail and shell, if there is one. Many reptiles change their look with age, temperature or breeding condition. Reptile Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Dwarf Crocodile? 150-190 cm ### How much does Dwarf Crocodile weigh? 18-32 kg ### How long does Dwarf Crocodile live? 25-50 years ### How fast can Dwarf Crocodile move? 15 km/h ### What does Dwarf Crocodile eat? This little croc loves to munch on small fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects in its murky waters! ### How fast can Dwarf Crocodile swim? 20 km/h ### Where is Dwarf Crocodile usually found? Forests and swamps ## Where to spot - [Alexandria Zoological Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alexandria-zoological-park) — Louisiana, US · Zoo - [Zoo Aschersleben](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zoo-aschersleben) — Sachsen-Anhalt, DE · Zoo - [Aqueduct Walk](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aqueduct-walk) — New York, US · Park - [Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Düsseldorf](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aquazoo-lobbecke-museum-dusseldorf) — Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE · Aquarium [View all places to see Dwarf Crocodile](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/dwarf-crocodile) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Dwarf Crocodile: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dwarf-crocodile)