Gharial

Gavialis gangeticus

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a specialised, fish‑eating crocodilian of large rivers in the Indian subcontinent. It is recognised by its very long, narrow snout, which reduces drag and enables rapid side‑to‑side snapping at fish.

Mass (typical / record)

170 kg

Top speed

—

Body length

4.3 m

Diet

Carnivore

Habitats

freshwater rivers

IUCN: CR (Critically Endangered)

Sacred in Hindu tradition and associated with the Ganges, the goddess Ganga is depicted riding a gharial. Once distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent, fewer than 1,000 now survive due to habitat destruction, sand mining, and fishing net entanglement. A flagship species…