Today’s Picture: Nile Crocodile with Jaws Open

Photo Details: Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) catching last rays of the afternoon sun on the banks of Nyamithi Pan, Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Canon Rebel XSi 12.2MP); Lens: Canon EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM; Focal Length: 300mm; Shutter speed: 1/320; Aperture: f8; ISO: 800; 29 July 2009, 4.43pm.

Additional Info: Crocodiles will often be seen lying on the banks of rivers or lakes with their mouths open and jaws agape, showing off their fearsome teeth (as in the picture above). This is a way of releasing heat and cooling their bodies as they do not have sweat glands.

Crocs are cold-blooded predators and can survive long periods without food, so will only rarely go out actively hunting. They appear lethargic and slow moving, but can move quickly over land and in water and are successful predators within their environment.