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This crocodile, estimated to be 12 feet long, was resting with its mouth gaping wide-open. On closer inspection there was an orange butterfly sitting on its head (collecting salt from tear ducts). Our guide told us these Crocodiles have a relationship with Spotted Sandpiper‘s (?) who crawl into the crocodiles’ mouth and pick out leftover meat from its teeth.

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) The habitat is coastal areas. It is also found in river systems, but tends to prefer salinity, resulting in the species congregating in brackish lakes, mangrove swamps, lagoons, cays, and small islands.
The American Crocodile is one of the largest crocodile species. Males can reach lengths of 6.1 m (20 ft), weighing up to 907 kg (2,000 lb). On average, mature males are more in the range of 3 - 4 meters (9 - 13ft) in length and weighing up to 400 kg (880 lb).

Conservation Status: Vulnerable (VU) (IUCN Red List). They were hunted close to extinction due to being hunted for their hides to produce boots, belts, purses and other leather products :-(