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Tomistoma
False Gharial
© James Steamer
Fun Fact!
Despite their fierce appearance, false gharials are surprisingly shy and prefer to spend most of their time
basking in calm, shallow waters rather than hunting aggressively like other crocodilians.
Unique Characteristics
- Snout Shape: Broad, slightly triangular, and less elongated compared to the gharial's snout.
- Nostrils: Positioned near the tip of the snout, but less pronounced than the gharial’s.
- Teeth: Long, sharp, and conical teeth, slightly more robust than the gharial’s, allowing for a broader diet.
- Size: Typically grows up to 15-16 feet (4.5-5 meters).
- Habitat: Prefers slower-moving rivers, lakes, and marshes with more vegetation,
found in Southeast Asia (primarily Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaysia).
- Body Shape: Slender body with darker, olive-brown coloration and pale markings, more robust than the gharial.
- Nasal Boss: Lacks the prominent fleshy nasal boss seen in male gharials.
- Tail Shape: Relatively round, not as whip-like or elongated as the gharial’s tail.
Characteristics
- Snout: Long, narrow, and slightly triangular, with a more moderate taper than the gharial's. Adapted for catching fish, but also capable of capturing larger prey.
- Nostrils: Located at the tip of the snout, slightly flared, but less pronounced than the gharial's nostrils.
- Teeth: Numerous, sharp teeth, but with a slightly broader, more robust jaw compared to the gharial. Teeth are more visible when the mouth is open.
- Size: Can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters), making it one of the largest crocodilian species.
- Body Shape: Long, robust, and muscular body, designed for swimming in slower-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps.
- Coloration: Typically dark gray or brownish-green with a lighter underside and darker markings along the back.
- Habitat: Prefers slower-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps in Southeast Asia, particularly in areas like Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaysia.
- Diet: Carnivorous, with a varied diet that includes fish, birds, small mammals, and occasionally reptiles.
- Behavior: Often more active on land than the gharial. Known to bask on riverbanks and is less solitary, sometimes seen in groups. Generally not aggressive towards humans but can be territorial.
- Distinctive Feature:Lacks the "ghara" (bulbous snout) seen in male gharials. The snout is more triangular and broad at the base, giving it a more crocodilian appearance.
