Scientific Classification
Common Name: Gharial
Scientific Name: Gavialis gangeticus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Gavialidae
Genus: Gavialis
Fast Facts
Description
The gharial is a rare crocodilian known for its long, narrow snout, sharp teeth, and fish-eating lifestyle. It lives mainly in rivers and moves through the water with great skill.
Appearance
Thin jaws, sharp teeth, long tail, male has snout bump.
Size & Weight
Length: 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet)
Weight: 160 to 1,000 kg (350 to 2,200 lbs)
Males are much larger than females.
Range & Habitat
Found mainly in India and Nepal rivers with sandy banks and deep water.
Behavior
Gharials are shy reptiles that bask in the sun and are excellent swimmers.
Diet & Hunting
Mainly fish; catches prey with quick sideways snaps of the jaws.
Reproduction
Females lay around 30 to 60 eggs in sandy nests.
Nesting & Eggs
Females dig sandy nests and lay around 30–60 eggs.
Incubation Period
Eggs hatch in about 70 to 90 days.
Hatchlings / Babies
Small and vulnerable after hatching; stay near water.
Predators & Threats
Eggs and young hunted by birds and animals. Adults threatened by fishing nets, pollution, habitat loss, sand mining.
Life Span
Around 40 to 60 years.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Interesting Facts
- The gharial has over 100 sharp teeth.
- It is one of the longest crocodilians in the world.
- Males use the snout bump to make buzzing sounds.
- Gharials are harmless to humans in most cases.
- They are excellent swimmers but move awkwardly on land.