Gharial
The Gharial, also known as the Gavial, is a unique species of crocodile native to the rivers of India. It is known for its long, slender snout, which is perfectly adapted for catching fish.
The Gharial is a powerful and opportunistic predator that preys on a variety of fish.
The Gharial is a critically endangered species, with its numbers declining due to pollution and habitat loss.
Gharial
Classification
Reptilia > Crocodilia > Gavialidae > Gavialis > G. gangeticus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
12 - 15 feet
(3.7 - 4.6 m)
Average Weight
500 - 1,000 lbs
(227 - 454 kg)
Average Life Span
40 - 60 years
Gestation Period
60 - 80 days
Did You Know?
The Gharial is a unique crocodile species known for its long, slender snout.
This long snout is perfectly adapted for catching fish, their primary diet.
Male Gharials have a distinctive bulbous growth on the tip of their snout, called a "ghara," which is used to vocalize and attract mates.
They are one of the largest crocodilians, with males reaching up to 20 feet in length.
Gharials are critically endangered, with only a few hundred adults left in the wild.
They spend most of their time in water, only coming ashore to bask in the sun and nest.
Unlike other crocodilians, Gharials have relatively weak jaws and teeth, which are not suitable for catching large prey.
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