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Where Crocodiles and Sharks Co-Exist Not-So-Peacefully

Croc swimming with sharks
Croc swimming with sharks. Image by Jessie_leigha via Instagram

In Wessel Islands Northern Territory, Australia, there’s a scene straight out of a surreal comedy. Picture this: a lone boat, bobbing gently in the waves, its spotlight casting a glow on the water’s surface. And what does it reveal? Crocs and sharks, supposedly co-existing in harmony. That is until, well, things take a slightly less harmonious turn.

Living in a “Fin”-tastic Harmony

Image by @jessie_leigha via Instagram.

Yes, you read that right. Crocs and sharks, the quintessential rivals of the sea, sharing a moment of peace… or so it seemed.

The Odd Scene

Image by @jessie_leigha via Instagram

In the Instagram post, we witness the enchanting sight of a floating crocodile, surrounded by a handful of sharks. It’s a moment that almost makes you believe in fairy tales… until one of the sharks decides to take a nibble out of the croc’s tail.

Not Quite Harmonious

Image by @jessie_leigha via Instagram

And just like that, the illusion of harmony comes crashing down like a poorly constructed sandcastle. But hey, who said nature always follows the script? Sometimes, even the most unlikely of companions have their disagreements.

Sharks

shark
Great White shark while coming to you on deep blue ocean background. Image via Depositphotos.

Now, it’s not entirely sure what kind of shark appeared in the video clip. But we do know that the video was filmed in Australia. So what sharks are there in Australia?

Bull Shark

bull shark in the blue ocean background
Bull shark off the coast of Mexico. Image by izanbar via Depositphotos

The most likely candidate is a bull shark. Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are known for their unique ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments. These robust predators are typically found in coastal areas, rivers, and even lakes, making them one of the few shark species that can travel far inland. They can be aggressive and formidable predators, definitely not to be messed with!

Great White Shark

Great white shark
Silhouette of jumping Great White Shark. Red sky of sunrise. Great White Shark breaching in attack. Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias. South Africa.

Another possible candidate is a great white shark. Great whites (Carcharodon carcharias) are among the most iconic and formidable predators in the ocean. They are found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans and are particularly common in regions with abundant seal populations, which are their primary prey. Known for their exceptional hunting skills, great white sharks use their keen sense of smell, sharp eyesight, and the ability to detect electromagnetic fields to locate and ambush their prey.

Crocodiles’ Tough Exterior

croc eye
Crocodile eye looking at the camera. Image by aglaya3 via Pixabay

Crocs are like the armored knights of the animal kingdom, with their tough, scaly skin providing protection against even the most determined adversaries.

Jaws of Doom

Crocodile
Crocodile with it’s mouth open. Image by dMz via Pixabay

Ah, the infamous crocodile smile! With rows of razor-sharp teeth and jaw muscles that could crush a car, these creatures have a bite that’s no joke. Depending on the species, crocodiles typically have between 60 to 110 teeth in their mouth at any given time, with some species capable of regenerating lost teeth throughout their lifetime. These teeth are not just for show—they’re designed for maximum efficiency in catching and holding onto prey.

Strong Reptiles

Crocodile
Crocodile looking at camera. Image by Pfuderi

In terms of strength, the bite force of a crocodile is among the most powerful in the animal kingdom. It varies depending on the size and species of the crocodile, but it’s estimated that some larger species can exert a bite force of over 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi). To put that into perspective, that’s strong enough to crush bones and even metal objects with ease.

Social Butterflies… Sort of

crocodile
Image by Marcel Zihlmann via Pixabay

While they may seem like lone wolves (or should I say lone crocs?), these reptiles do enjoy the occasional social gathering, especially during mating season or when there’s free food on the menu.

Wrapping Up

bull shark
Bull Shark. Image by Andaman via Depositphotos.

So, the next time you find yourself out at sea, keep an eye out for those unexpected moments of comedy in nature. After all, who needs a sitcom when you have crocs and sharks sharing the stage? Just be sure to bring some popcorn… and maybe a sturdy boat.

Conclusion

Image by @jessie_leigha via Instagram

Thanks for reading along!