Gavialidae

Characteristics

- Size: Medium to large, typically around 4–5 meters long.
- Body: Long, slender, and streamlined, adapted for swimming.
- Head: Extremely narrow, elongated snout with sharp teeth; resembles a "crocodilian" version of a "nose."
- Skin: Tough, bony plates (osteoderms) similar to other crocodilians but with less armor.
- Eyes, Ears, Nostrils: Positioned on top of the head for partial submergence while breathing, seeing, and hearing.
- Tail: Long, slim tail, ideal for swimming and maneuverability in water.
- Habitat: Primarily freshwater; found in rivers and lakes, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.
- Diet: Carnivorous, mainly fish; specialized for catching fish with their long, sharp teeth.
- Behavior: Solitary and semi-social, but typically non-territorial; spend a lot of time basking.
- Reproduction: Oviparous (egg-laying), with temperature-dependent sex determination and some parental care.
- Swimming Adaptations: Streamlined body and long tail for efficient swimming and quick bursts of speed.
- Lifespan: Can live for several decades, though exact lifespans are not always well-documented.