What is the longest crocodile ever caught in Australia?
Australia is home to some amazing wildlife, from kangaroos and koalas to the top predator, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Among these big reptiles a few have become legends in their own right, because of their size. One such crocodile is Cassius, the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity in Australia. Here’s his story, where saltwater crocodiles live, what they are and why they get so big.
The Biggest Crocodile Ever Caught in Australia
The record for the biggest crocodile ever caught in Australia is held by Cassius, a massive 5.48-metre (17 feet 11 inches) saltwater crocodile. He was caught in the Northern Territory in 1984 after he was seen as a threat to boats and livestock. Cassius was moved to Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island, Queensland where he became an overnight sensation. For decades he was the main attraction, with thousands of people coming to see this living dinosaur.
Cassius held the Guinness World Records title for the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity until 2011 when Lolong, a crocodile from the Philippines, took the world title with a length of 6.17 metres (20 feet 3 inches).
Cassius: The Australian Legend
Cassius is over 110 years old, making him not only a record breaker but one of the oldest living crocodiles. His age has allowed him to get to such a size, showing what saltwater crocodiles can achieve in perfect conditions. Even though he’s no longer the world’s biggest, Cassius is an Australian icon and a symbol of the endurance and adaptability of Australian wildlife.
At Marineland Crocodile Park Cassius is looked after with great care to ensure his health and happiness. His existence gives us a glimpse into the life cycle, biology and habitat of Crocodylus porosus, a top predator that thrives in the toughest environments.
Guinness World Records and the Biggest Crocodiles in History
Cassius’s time as the biggest crocodile in captivity brought him world wide recognition but he was eventually surpassed by Lolong. Caught in the Philippines in 2011 Lolong was 6.17 metres and over 1,000 kg. Although Cassius is no longer the world’s biggest he’s still the star of Green Island.
The competition for the biggest crocodile is fierce with many contenders throughout history. Some of them are:
- Lolong: The biggest officially measured crocodile in captivity.
- Gustave: A legendary Nile crocodile from Africa, over 6 metres but never officially measured.
- Kalia: A saltwater crocodile from Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India, 7 metres but unverified.
Why Are Saltwater Crocodiles So Large?
Saltwater crocodiles (also known as estuarine crocodiles) are the biggest reptiles in the world. Here are the key factors that allow them to grow to such massive sizes:
- Environmental Abundance: They live in places like the Daly Rivers, river deltas and freshwater rivers where there is an abundance of food and ideal conditions for growth.
- Longevity: They can live over 70 years and some like Cassius live over a century. That’s a long time to keep growing.
- Diet: They are opportunistic feeders and can eat a wide range of prey from fish to big mammals.
- Sexual Size Dimorphism: Males are much bigger than females, often over 4.5 metres, while females are between 2.5 to 3 metres.
Saltwater Crocodile Habitats: Where Giants Live
Saltwater crocodiles are very adaptable and can be found in:
- Mangroves and Swamps: Perfect breeding and feeding grounds with an abundance of fish and crustaceans.
- River Deltas and Estuaries: The transition zone between land and sea is great for hunting.
- Freshwater Rivers: Despite their name, saltwater crocodiles are found in freshwater habitats.
Where to see crocodiles in Australia: Northern Territory, Solomon Islands and east coast.
Conservation of Crocodiles
The saltwater crocodile population in Australia was severely depleted in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat destruction. But since the 1970s when legal protections were put in place, the numbers have recovered dramatically. The Crocodile Specialist Group and IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group have been instrumental in promoting conservation.
Saltwater Crocodile Facts
- Master of Disguise: Saltwater crocodiles can blend in perfectly with their surroundings, making them expert ambush predators.
- Bone Crusher: They have the strongest bite force of any animal, can crush bones with ease.
- Tool Users: These smart reptiles have been seen using sticks to lure birds during nesting season.
- Dinosaurs of the Modern World: Crocodiles have remained largely unchanged for millions of years, they are living fossils.
The Thrill of Jumping Crocodiles
The best way to see the saltwater crocodile’s power and agility is on a Jumping Darwin crocodile tour in the Northern Territory. These tours are popular along the Adelaide River and show the incredible ability of these big buggers to launch themselves out of the water. Using their tails they can flick themselves up to catch prey, like birds or bats perched on branches above. It’s a display of opportunistic hunting and pure muscle. For visitors it’s an exhilarating experience that combines excitement with a greater understanding of these magnificent predators.
Nearby Tour Destinations to Explore
If you’re in the Northern Territory there are plenty of other places to visit to make your Kakadu Crocodile Tour even more special. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is a must see for its beauty, ancient Aboriginal rock art and wildlife. Lichfield National Park is another great spot for its waterfalls, natural pools and nature.
To get the most out of your adventure use Autopia Tours, a trusted company that offers customised 4 day Kakadu tours so you can see the best of Australia’s natural and cultural icons. Their itineraries are well planned to give you an exciting, educational and comfortable experience for every traveller.
Conclusion
Cassius the crocodile is a part of Australia’s unique wildlife. Whether at Marineland Crocodile tours or in the wild habitats of Crocodylus porosus, these giants will always be awe inspiring and respected.
FAQs
Where is Cassius the crocodile?
Cassius is at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island near Cairns, Queensland.
What’s the biggest crocodile ever caught?
Lolong in the Philippines was the biggest at 6.17 metres (20 feet 3 inches)
How long do saltwater crocodiles live?
Up to 70 years, some over 100 in captivity.
Why are saltwater crocodiles so big?
Because of plenty of food, long life and perfect environment.
Where do saltwater crocodiles live?
Freshwater rivers, river deltas, mangroves and the eastern coast of Australia.
