Home › Reptilia › Crocodylidae › Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)
SPECIES PROFILE
Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)
Crocodylus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Northern Australia, NT, Queensland, WA
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, billabongs, and wetlands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Crocodilia
FAMILY
Crocodylidae
GENUS
Crocodylus
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 3 meters for males, females smaller; 90 kg
COLORATION
Light brown to grey, darker bands; slender snout
ADAPTATIONS
Narrow jaws suited for fish, less aggressive
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, billabongs, and wetlands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Northern Australia, NT, Queensland, WA
REPRODUCTION
Lays 10-20 eggs in sandy banks, hatch after 75-85 days
DIET DETAILS
Primarily fish, insects, crustaceans, small vertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat alteration, competition with saltwater crocodiles
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Shy Predators: Freshwater crocodiles snatch 2 kg of fish daily in Katherine Gorge, their 3-meter bodies using 500 psi bites, less aggressive than saltwater kin. Their millions-strong population thrives in northern rivers, though competition with larger crocodiles impacts 10% of juveniles.
2
River Dwellers: In Mary River Wetlands, their slender snouts target 50 crustaceans daily, with Windjana Gorge’s females laying 100 eggs over a lifetime. Their camouflage, blending into billabongs, ensures survival, despite habitat changes from grazing and tourism.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Katherine Gorge in Northern Territory Nitmiluk National Park has gorge edges for crocodile sightings
Mary River Wetlands in Northern Territory near Jabiru offer boat tours for crocodile sightings
Windjana Gorge National Park in Western Australia Kimberley features freshwater pools for crocodile sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
April-October. Dry season concentrates crocodiles in rivers for basking.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Take boat tours at midday to see crocodiles on riverbanks.
