# Siamese Crocodile (*crocodylus siamensis*)

The Siamese Crocodile is a special type of crocodile that loves to swim in rivers and lakes! They have a long, strong body and can be found basking in the sun during the day.

- **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 4/5 · High
- **Habitat:** Freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands in Southeast Asia.
- **Also known as:** Asian Crocodile, Siamese Croc, Soft-Shelled Crocodile

![Siamese Crocodile](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Siamcroc.JPG&width=800)

Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Siamcroc.JPG)

## Appearance

The Siamese Crocodile has an olive-green to dark greenish-brown body, sometimes with darker bands on its tail. It has a relatively broad snout, distinct from the slender snouts of gharials. Its powerful jaws contain numerous sharp teeth.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Crocodylia
- **Order:** Crocodylia
- **Family:** Crocodylidae
- **Genus:** Crocodylus

## Interesting facts

- A crocodile's sex is decided by the temperature of its nest eggs!
- Crocodiles cry 'fake tears' to keep their eyes clean and moist!
- Their ancient ancestors lived alongside dinosaurs!
- They have a special valve in their throat to swallow underwater!

## Special abilities

- **Super Snapper:** Siamese Crocodiles have incredibly powerful jaws that help them crush bones and hold onto prey underwater.
- **Underwater Watcher:** Siamese Crocodiles can see underwater thanks to a special clear eyelid, called a nictitating membrane.
- **Silent Submariner:** Siamese Crocodiles can hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to wait patiently for prey unnoticed.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 200-400 cm
- **Weight:** 50-200 kg
- **Lifespan:** 30-60 years
- **Speed:** 12 km/h
- **Swim Speed:** 15 km/h
- **Clutch Size:** 15-50
- **Incubation:** 60-80 days
- **Maximum Depth:** 10 m

## Diet & Feeding

These reptiles eat fish, frogs, snakes, small mammals, and birds from their watery homes.

- **Primary Foods:** Fish, Frogs, Snakes, Water birds, Small mammals
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Snakehead fish (*Channa striata*) — A primary food source in its river habitat.
- **Eaten by:** Water monitor (*Varanus salvator*) — Hatchlings and eggs are vulnerable to these lizards.
- **Hunts:** Lesser whistling duck (*Dendrocygna javanica*) — Captures these birds from the water's edge.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
- [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

## Collections

- [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles)

## Safety

**Danger:** 4/5 · High

Always observe crocodiles from a safe distance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Siamese 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 Siamese Crocodile?

200-400 cm

### How much does Siamese Crocodile weigh?

50-200 kg

### How long does Siamese Crocodile live?

30-60 years

### How fast can Siamese Crocodile move?

12 km/h

### What does Siamese Crocodile eat?

These reptiles eat fish, frogs, snakes, small mammals, and birds from their watery homes.

### How fast can Siamese Crocodile swim?

15 km/h

### Where is Siamese Crocodile usually found?

Freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands in Southeast Asia.

## 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*)

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Source: [Siamese Crocodile: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/siamese-crocodile)