Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How big do saltwater crocodiles get?
A. They are the largest of the world’s crocodiles. Crocodiles of 7 metres have been reported, but this is rare. Usually, they reach between 5 to 6 metres, and can weigh up to a tonne.
Q. How big were they?
A. Crocodiles have been around for 200 million years and their anatomy has changed little, but their size has. Back then they were around 15 metres, the size equivalent to a semi-trailer.
Q. What is the biggest crocodile reported in the Top End?
A. A 6.4 metre crocodile was caught in a net on the Mary River in 1974. The animal was killed and its head removed by axe.
Q. How big was ‘Sweetheart’?
A. Sweetheart was captured in Sweets Lookout billabong on the Finnis River in 1979. He was caught alive, but died soon after. He was 5.1 metres long and weighed 780kg.
Q. What is the biggest crocodile ever caught in a trap?
A. Just over 5 metres.
Q. What is the biggest crocodile harpooned by the crocodile management team?
A. Exactly 5 metres.
Q. How many traps are set in Darwin harbour?
A. There are 19 traps in Darwin Harbour. There are 20 extra in the extended 50km management zone.
Q. What do crocodiles eat?
A. Crocodiles are carnivores. When small they eat things such as insects and frogs. When bigger they eat things such as buffalo, horses, pigs, sharks, rays and wallabies.
Q. How many eggs are in a nest?
A. Saltwater crocodiles lay around 50 eggs in a nest of vegetation during the Wet season (October to May). Freshwater crocodiles lay 12–15 eggs in a sand nest on a riverbank during the Dry season (usually August to September).
Q. What colour are saltwater crocodiles?
A. Black, mainly in freshwater. Yellow in saltwater.