Freshwater Crocodile
Crocodylus johnstoni
A slender-snouted, shy crocodile of northern Australia's rivers that waits motionless in shallow water for prey.
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About the Freshwater Crocodile
Freshwater crocodiles grow up to about 10 feet long, smaller and slimmer than their cousin the saltwater crocodile. They are gray to tan-brown with dark patches, and their tail makes up almost half their length. They live in rivers, creeks, pools, billabongs and swamps across northern Australia. Insects are their most common food, followed by fish, plus frogs, turtles, lizards, birds and small mammals.[1]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Crocodylus johnstoni[1]
- Size
- Up to about 10 feet long.[1]
- Diet
- Carnivore. Mostly insects and fish, plus frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals.[1]
- Habitat
- Rivers, creeks, pools, billabongs, lagoons and swamps.[1]
- Where it lives
- Inland rivers of northern Australia.[1]
- Babies
- Eggs laid in sandbank nests near the water.[1]
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).[2]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- crocodilian
- A member of the reptile group that includes crocodiles, alligators and caimans.
- billabong
- An Australian word for a pond left behind when a river changes course.
- scute
- A bony plate or large scale on a reptile's back or tail.
- ambush
- To hide and wait, then attack by surprise.
- least concern
- A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.
See it in person
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and AquariumOmaha, Nebraska · Mahoney Kingdoms of the NightSee this area on the zoo's website ↗
Sources
- [1] Australian Museum. “Freshwater Crocodile.” https://australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles/freshwater-crocodile/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Crocodylus johnstoni (Australian Freshwater Crocodile).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/46589/3010118 (accessed 2026-10-02)
Facts last checked 2026-10-02.