Dwarf crocodile animals

The muzzle of the dwarf crocodile is broad, blunt, and short; hence the name  "Broadfronted."  It measures at about 1.20 meters in length; however, some have reached lengths of 1.50-1.80 meters.  The dwarf  crocodile gets its name because it is the smallest of all crocodiles.  With  the largest crocodile reaching lengths of 27 feet and weigh up to a ton, it is easy to see how a  crocodile of about 3 feet could be dubbed "dwarf." Alligators and crocodiles are easily confused and exhibit several major physical differences. Alligators have broader heads and blunter snouts. Their lower teeth fit inside the edge of the upper jaw and cannot be seen when the lipless mouth is closed. The crocodile's fourth tooth in each side of the lower jaw is located lying in a notch in the upper jaw and is always visible. The teeth are used for seizing and holding prey instead of for chewing. They are replaced continuously as new ones grow up, forcing old ones out. Like all crocodiles, the dwarf has rigid teeth and tough scales, which cover  the body.  During early years of existence, the dwarf crocodile is yellow with a brown tint.  The infant dwarf crocodile also has black spots on its belly and back.  However, with age, the dwarf crocodile grows to resemble other forms of crocodiles in color.  By maturity, the dwarf crocodile is dark brown or black.  The scales become harder and the bony palates that protect the back are more dense.The term crocodilian is applied to any of the order Crocodilia alligators, caimans, and gavials, as well as true crocodiles. There are about 20 species of living crocodilians, all of which are lizardlike, egg-laying carnivores. The Dwarf Crocodile, known as the Broadfronted crocodile, or scientifically  Osteolaemus tetraspis comes from Africa.There are two subspecies of the Dwarf crocodile.  The West African Dwarf  crocodile or Osteolaemus tetraspis inhabits the forest areas of  Liberia, Calabar, Cameroon, Sierra Lenone and Gaboon.  Paul du Chaillu  discovered this subspecies.  The snout of this subspecies appears swollen.  The Osteolaemus tetraspis osborni hails from the upper Congo region and can be  found mainly in the Ituri Forest.  This subspecies lacks the swollen appearance of the Broadface. Crocodilians are carnivores and are nocturnal that is, mostly active at night. During the day they often lie at the water's edge in large numbers, sunning themselves. At night they retreat to the water, where they live solitary lives and establish individual territories.
                     These dwarf crocodiles at the Fort Worth Zoo are typically at rest. They may be found lying on rocks or floating in the water. They also seem to enjoy watching the people watching them. This is most notable when you look into their eyes. It's easy to determine how they are different from alligators by observing them. It’s apparent that they are crocodiles by the fourth tooth being easily visible. Most of their coloring is dark brown indicating that they are a majority of mature adults. Their small size for their coloring tells you that they are dwarfs. Looking above at the picture of the dwarf crocodile it’s easy to see these physical traits.