The world’s largest reptile is a deadly apex predator that’s 5 metres long and weighs half a tonne

There are a lot of exaggerated reports of the size of crocodiles, including Krys the Croc from Queensland in Australia, which was reputed to have measured 8.64 metres.

Actual evidence for Krys' size is very thin, but what isn't disputed is that saltwater crocodiles – Crocodylus porosus – are the largest reptiles on earth.

• There is only one place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators live together in the wild – and it's here
• Can a human outrun a crocodile? Just how fast are these deadly, ferocious reptiles?

While adult male 'salties' average 5m and 500kg, females are much smaller, typically under 3m long and weigh less than 100kg.

However, the largest saltwater crocodile ever recorded was around 6.3m long and estimated to have weighed between 1,500-2,000kg. It is also generally accepted that crocodiles of up to 7m probably lived in the past.

• 32 staggering facts about crocodiles
• The deadliest animals to humans

This apex predator can be found in many saltwater habitats, from India's east coast, to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Saltwater crocodiles can live for more than 70 years, although there are reports of a Nile crocodile living significantly older in captivity.

Closely followed by the saltwater crocodile for size is the Nile crocodile and the Orinoco crocodile.

• Do crocodiles get a taste for human flesh?
• Sneaky crocodiles have a trick to lure birds