The Nile crocodile is Africa’s largest crocodile species – these giant reptiles can grow over 5m in length and weigh more than 500kg.
The mouths of these large predators are crammed with 64–68 teeth, which they use, along with their powerful jaws, to clamp down on prey.
Another special characteristic of the Nile crocodile is its ability to stay motionless in the water for up to two hours. This, along with its impressive camouflage and incredible speed and strength, makes the crocodile one of the most proficient ambush predators in the world.
This extraordinary image shows the moment a Nile crocodile strikes, leaping from the water to catch an unsuspecting wildebeest on the Mara River in East Africa.
More about crocodiles
- Camera strapped to jaws of Nile crocodile. This is what it filmed
- Can alligators and crocodiles crossbreed?
- What's the smallest crocodile?
- How do crocodiles mate?
Top image credit: USO/Getty Images
