Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Gharial

Gavialis gangeticus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The gharial is a crocodilian with an exceptionally long narrow snout. Its slender jaws and many pointed teeth specialise in catching fish rather than tackling large land prey.

Gavialis gangeticus (gharial)

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Piscivore
Food
Mostly fish as an adult.

Classification

Common name
Gharial
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Gavialis gangeticus
Taxon rank
species
Family
Gavialidae
Genus
Gavialis
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Adults feed mainly on fish.
  • The narrow snout carries many sharp teeth.
  • Males develop a swelling near the nose.

Habitat and range

Historically the gharial occupied several major river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent. Surviving populations are fragmented. Deep river sections and sandbars provide aquatic refuge, basking sites and nesting ground.

Appearance and adaptations

The snout becomes proportionately more slender as the animal grows. Adult males develop a conspicuous swelling near the nose. The body is strongly adapted to swimming.

Diet and behaviour

Young gharials take small invertebrates and other tiny animals; adults eat mainly fish. Much time is spent in water, with banks used for basking and nesting. Open-mouth basking helps release excess heat.

Sources

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