In terms of damage infliction, the saltwater crocodile is extremely well equipped! As the largest species in the crocodilian family, an average male can reach up to 5m in length and 450kg in weight. Their powerful jaws contain between 40 and 60 large teeth and when striking the ‘Saltie’ can reach speeds of up to 29km/h. They also have well camouflaged thick skin and lurk just under the surface near the water’s edge waiting for their prey, catching animals as they come to drink. Diet-wise they generally feed on whatever they can get their teeth into, from fish to water buffalo.

Tamsyn Mannion

Can’t get enough of Science Shorts? Check back next week for ‘What causes the northern lights?’ and take a look at last weeks which explained didgeridoos and their distinctive sound.