# Morelet's Crocodile (*Crocodylus moreletii*) Morelet's Crocodile is a strong swimmer that lives in freshwater. They are very protective of their homes. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme - **Habitat:** Freshwater habitats - **Also known as:** Cuban Crocodile, Mexican Crocodile ![Morelet's Crocodile](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426295/objects/5733.jpg) ## Appearance The Morelet's Crocodile is a moderately sized reptile, typically grayish-brown with dark bands and spots, especially on its tail. It has a relatively broad snout and rough, scaly skin. Its dark iris makes its eyes less noticeable against its dark head. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Crocodylia - **Order:** Crocodylia - **Family:** Crocodylidae - **Genus:** Crocodylus ## Interesting facts - Morelet's Crocodiles can live for over 70 years! - These crocodiles have been around since the time of dinosaurs! - They can run surprisingly fast on land for short distances! - They construct large mound nests from plants and mud for their eggs! ## Special abilities - **Stealth Hunter:** Morelet's Crocodile can hold its breath for long periods, blending perfectly with murky water to ambush prey. - **Protective Gaze:** Morelet's Crocodile has a clear third eyelid (nictitating membrane) that protects its eyes while swimming underwater. - **Temperature Sex-Setter:** Morelet's Crocodile eggs determine if they'll be male or female based on the nest's surrounding temperature. - **Crushing Jaws:** Morelet's Crocodile can deliver an incredibly powerful bite, allowing it to easily crush the bones of its prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 250-450 cm - **Weight:** 40-120 kg - **Lifespan:** 50-70 years - **Speed:** 15 km/h - **Swim Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 20-45 - **Incubation:** 70-80 days - **Maximum Depth:** 5 m ## Diet & Feeding A top predator, Morelet's Crocodiles eat fish, birds, and small mammals they ambush in the water. - **Age differences:** Young crocodiles eat insects and small fish, while adults hunt bigger prey. - **Primary Foods:** fish, turtles, birds, small mammals, amphibians - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Mexican molly (*Poecilia mexicana*) — a common fish prey - **Hunts:** Scorpion mud turtle (*Kinosternon scorpioides*) — a reptile prey in its habitat - **Eaten by:** [Jaguar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/jaguar) (*Panthera onca*) — occasionally preys on larger adults - **Eaten by:** Common Raccoon (*Procyon lotor*) — predator of crocodile eggs and hatchlings ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [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 Morelet's 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 Morelet's Crocodile? 250-450 cm ### How much does Morelet's Crocodile weigh? 40-120 kg ### How long does Morelet's Crocodile live? 50-70 years ### How fast can Morelet's Crocodile move? 15 km/h ### What does Morelet's Crocodile eat? A top predator, Morelet's Crocodiles eat fish, birds, and small mammals they ambush in the water. ### How fast can Morelet's Crocodile swim? 20 km/h ### Where is Morelet's Crocodile usually found? Freshwater habitats ## 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: [Morelet's Crocodile: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/morelet-s-crocodile)