How large do crocodilians get?
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about the maximum size of various crocodilian species, and there are many “big fish” stories that owe more to imagination than actual measurements. Conversely, less reputable or informed pet stores do the opposite, providing figures that greatly underestimate the size potential of a particular species in order to make it a more attractive purchase. After all, a 3 foot long caiman sounds far more manageable than a 7 foot caiman, doesn’t it? The fact is, growth rates and maximum size vary quite a lot in a particular species, and there are often big differences between males and females. Australian saltwater crocodiles, for example, grow relatively quickly and males reach an average size of around 15 to 17 feet (4.6 to 5.2 metres), but some males never get larger than 14 feet (4.3 metres), and some rare individuals reach 18, 19 and even over 20 feet (over 6.1 metres) in length. Females, however, typically reach only 8.5 to 10.5 feet (2.6 to 3
