Crocodiles are patient. They wait for their potential prey in the water or aquatic thickets. When they sense the right moment, they grab their prey and drag it underwater. They mainly feed on water birds, fish and mammals. They will also not refuse to eat carrion. Larger individuals make successful attacks on antelope, lions and even humans. ¹⁾

In the eyes of humans, crocodiles are among some of the most dangerous animals in the world. However, in an encounter with a hippopotamus, they are almost without a chance. When this herbivorous giant appears near a crocodile, the predator freezes motionless. ²⁾

Measuring 20.24 feet and weighing 2370 pounds, Lolong was the largest measured crocodile in history. He died in captivity on February 10, 2013, from pneumonia and cardiac arrest, which was caused by a fungal infection and stress. ³⁾

The smallest adults do not exceed four feet in body length. These include caimans. The largest representatives of this species are the roseate crocodiles, which reach up to 22 feet in length. ⁴⁾

Crocodiles are very good swimmers. The fittest individuals can swim up to a speed of 20 mph and are able to hold their breath underwater for about an hour. On land, they are not so fast. The fastest observed individual — an Australian crocodile — accelerated to 11 mph. ⁵⁾