Scientific Name: Osteolaemus tetraspis
Common Names: African Dwarf Crocodile, West African Dwarf Crocodile

Maximum adult length: 1.8 metres (5.9 feet)

N.B. Exceptionally large specimens can be found in all species of crocodilian.

The West African dwarf crocodile is the world’s smallest crocodile, growing up to 1.8 metres (5.9 feet). It is found alone or in pairs, in burrows and the hollows of low lying tree branches at the waters edge. It is a heavily armoured crocodile, which is dark in colour on the back and sides with a yellowish belly featuring many black patches. Dwarf crocodiles are a little-known species, unlike their more studied relatives.