Crocodiles are among nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures, known for their immense size and ancient lineage.
This article takes a closer look at the top 10 largest crocodiles ever recorded, showcasing the incredible scale and diversity of these reptilian giants.
From the legendary Lolong to the elusive Dominator, these crocodiles represent the pinnacle of size in the crocodilian world.
Quick Overview
| Rank | Name of Crocodile | Length (meters/feet) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lolong | 6.17m / 20ft 3in | Philippines |
| 2 | Dominator | 6.1m / 20ft | Australia |
| 3 | Bujang Senang | 5.88m / 19ft 3in | Borneo |
| 4 | Yai | 5.61m / 18ft 5in | Thailand |
| 5 | Brutus | 5.60m / 18ft 4in | Australia |
| 6 | Cassius | 5.48m / 17ft 11in | Australia |
| 7 | Gomek | 5.42m / 17.8ft | Papua New Guinea/USA |
| 8 | Tawi-Tawi Crocodile | 5.15m / 16ft 11in | Philippines |
| 9 | Matara Crocodile | 5.18m+ / 17ft+ | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Jaws III | 5.18m+ / 17ft+ | India |
1. Lolong (6.17 meters / 20 feet 3 inches)
Lolong was more than just a crocodile; he was a living legend. Captured in the Philippines in 2011, this massive saltwater crocodile measured an astonishing 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches). His capture was a significant event, drawing attention to the delicate balance between human settlements and wildlife habitats.
Lolong’s size and the circumstances of his capture highlighted the need for conservation efforts and better understanding of these magnificent creatures.
2. Dominator (6.1 meters / 20 feet)
Dominator is an elusive giant, sharing the murky waters of the Adelaide River in Australia with another famous crocodile, Brutus.
Estimated to be around 6.1 meters (20 feet) long, Dominator has never been officially measured, but his legendary size makes him one of the most talked-about crocodiles in the world. His presence in the river is a stark reminder of the wild, untamed nature that still exists in certain parts of the world.
3. Bujang Senang (5.88 meters / 19 feet 3 inches)
Bujang Senang was a fearsome saltwater crocodile from Borneo, infamous for his reputation as a man-eater.
Measuring 5.88 meters (19 feet 3 inches), he was a dominant predator in his habitat until his death in 1992. The story of Bujang Senang is often told as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of these powerful creatures, especially in areas where human and crocodile territories intersect.
4. Yai (5.61 meters / 18 feet 5 inches)
Yai is a remarkable crocodile for several reasons. Residing in the Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Thailand, Yai is an Estuarine-Siamese hybrid crocodile. In 2012, he was measured at 18 feet and 5 inches (5.61 meters).
Yai’s size and hybrid nature make him a unique specimen, contributing valuable information to the study of crocodile genetics and behavior.
5. Brutus (5.60 meters / 18 feet 4 inches)
Brutus is another iconic inhabitant of the Adelaide River and is known for his missing front leg, likely lost in a battle with a shark.
Despite this handicap, Brutus, estimated to be 5.6 meters (18 feet 4 inches) long, is a formidable predator. His resilience and ability to survive despite his injury make him a symbol of the harsh realities of life in the wild.
6. Cassius (5.48 meters / 17 feet 11 inches)
Cassius, named after the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, is an Australian saltwater crocodile known for being one of the largest crocodiles in captivity.
Captured in 1987 after attacking boats, Cassius measures 5.48 meters (17 feet 11 inches) and is believed to be over 100 years old. His story is a fascinating one, blending tales of conflict, capture, and a subsequent life in a more controlled environment.
7. Gomek (5.42 meters / 17.8 feet)
Gomek was a large saltwater crocodile captured in Papua New Guinea and later kept in Florida. Known for his tolerance of humans, Gomek was a popular attraction, demonstrating the complex nature of crocodile behavior.
Measuring 5.42 meters (17.8 feet) at the time of his death in 1997, Gomek’s story contributes to our understanding of crocodile longevity and health in captivity.
8. Matara Crocodile (5.18+ meters / 17+ feet)
The Matara Crocodile was a massive saltwater crocodile captured in Sri Lanka in 2016. Measuring over 17 feet long, it was stuck in a canal and later released back into the river by wildlife officials.
The Matara Crocodile’s story is an example of successful human intervention leading to a positive outcome for both the animal and the local community.
9. Jaws III (5.18+ meters / 17+ feet)
Jaws III was a resident of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in India. Measuring at least 17 feet (5.2 meters), Jaws III was known for his astonishing growth and unusual size.
His presence in the park made him one of the biggest attractions and a subject of fascination for visitors and researchers alike.
10. Tawi-Tawi Crocodile (5.15 meters / 16 feet 11 inches)
The Tawi-Tawi Crocodile was a significant capture in the Philippines, measuring 5.15 meters (16 feet 11 inches). Caught in 2017, this saltwater crocodile’s size was initially mistaken for a log by local fishermen.
Its capture was a challenging and dangerous operation, highlighting the difficulties in managing human-crocodile conflicts in the region.
Conclusion
The stories of these ten massive crocodiles go beyond mere size; they reflect the fascinating interplay between nature’s grandeur and the human fascination with the wild.
Each of these crocodiles, from the record-holders to the lesser-known giants, underscores the importance of conservation and respect for these majestic creatures.
As we marvel at their size and power, let’s also remember our role in preserving their habitats and ensuring their continued existence in the natural world.
FAQs
The largest crocodile ever recorded was Lolong, a saltwater crocodile from the Philippines, measuring 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches).
Yes, saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are the largest of all living crocodile species.
Lolong was captured in the Philippines in 2011.
Yes, some crocodiles, like Cassius, are believed to be over 100 years old.
Average-size male saltwater crocodiles reach about 17 feet (5.2 meters) and 1,000 pounds (450 kg), but larger sizes are not uncommon.
It is rare for crocodiles to reach over 20 feet in length, with such sizes being exceptional.
