The African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) is the smallest living species of crocodile. Adult specimens typically attain a length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and weigh between 18 and 32 kg (40 and 70 lb).
Don't panic if you see a crocodile with its mouth open. Most people assume this is a sign of aggression, but this behavior, known as "gaping", is simply a way to cool off. Crocodiles don't sweat, so they will sit or lie with their mouth open to release heat.
The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) may be only the second largest reptile in the world, but at 5000 pounds of force per square inch (psi), it has the strongest bite.
The Egyptian plover (Pluvianus aegyptius), also known as the crocodile bird, DOES NOT clean crocodiles' teeth. In fact, no bird does this. The myth originated with the ancient Greek philosopher Herodotus and persists to this day, but there is no evidence to support it, and the supposed photos showing Egyptian plovers cleaning crocodile teeth are all fake.
Antarctica and Europe are the only continents without native species of crocodile.
A male freshwater crocodile affectionately known as "Mr. Freshie" was rescued in 1970 by Bob and Steve Irwin, after being shot twice by hunters and losing an eye as a result. As they prepared to rescue Mr. Freshie, the Irwin duo discovered he was no ordinary croc. A local tribe of Aborigines considered the reptile sacred and explained how several generations had watched him roam the local waterways for 100 years. Mr. Freshie spent spent the next forty years at the Australia Zoo before finally passing away in 2010 at the ripe old age of 140.
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