Slender-snouted crocodile
Also known as mecistops cataphractus, the slender-snouted crocodile is a species associated with rivers, although they usually tolerate salinity well.
Where to find them?
This species is located in the crocodile preserve of the aquarium, located in the living lake of the Valencian centre.
The slender-snouted crocodile can reach up to 4 metres in length, although they normally measure around 2.5 metres.
This species, unlike others of the same type, does not usually live in communities, except in breeding periods.
Which region do they inhabit?
The original area of distribution of the species was extensive, appearing in western and central Africa. However, its current area is greatly reduced and almost fragmented, disappearing in several countries such as Burkina Faso, Senegal and Mali.
It is currently found in two almost separated areas. One of these is located in the more eastern region, from Nigeria to Gambia, the other, more central area, being located around Gabon, the south of Cameroon, Congo, the Central African Republic and Tanzania.
How do they reproduce?
The female places the eggs in nests made of organic material, normally at the foot of trees near the course of rivers. They lay 13 to 25 eggs, and incubation lasts 16 weeks (4 months). The female does not leave the nest for this whole period, being a less aggressive species than other species of crocodile during this period.
What do they feed on?
They mainly feed on fish, amphibians and small reptiles, although they can feed on any medium sized vertebrate found in rivers.