African Dwarf Crocodile — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult African Dwarf Crocodile get?

An adult African Dwarf Crocodile typically measures 1.5–1.9 m.

Husbandry requirements

African Dwarf Crocodile — origin: West and Central Africa: forest watercourses, swamps and pools in tropical rainforest (from Senegal to Angola and the Congo Basin)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side26–29 °C

Warm side30–33 °C

Basking spot32–36 °C

A tropical species: maintain a warm, stable environment with a gradient. A dry hot spot (heat lamp) at 32-36 °C for thermoregulation and drying of the skin. Water temperature maintained at 25-28 °C. A moderate nighttime drop is tolerated (min ~22 °C). Avoid any accessible hot spot that could burn the animal.

Enclosure (adult)

600 × 300 × 150 cm

A very large semi-aquatic enclosure (paludarium or zoo-type installation): a vast, deep pool combined with a dry land area and shelters/burrows.

Indicative minimum dimensions for ONE adult; bigger is always better. The body of water must allow the animal to submerge fully and turn around. SPECIES NOT SUITED TO HOBBYIST KEEPING: CITES Appendix I and EU Annex A (maximum protection) — keeping, transport and transfer are subject to permits/CITES and, depending on the country, to a certificate of competence and an establishment licence. A dangerous animal: provide a double barrier, locking and safety procedures.

Humidity

70–90 %

High, constant humidity, typical of tropical rainforest. The large body of water and good ventilation help maintain humidity without stagnation or mould.

Substrate

Soil/sand mix for the land areaLeaf litter and plant material (shelter and nesting areas)Large body of water (filtered pool) occupying a major part of the enclosure

Provide a dry land area (rest, thermoregulation, egg-laying) and hides/burrows. The nesting substrate (a mound of plant matter/soil) is essential for breeding. Avoid any ingestible substrate liable to cause an obstruction.

UVB

Recommended

UVB recommended for vitamin D3 synthesis and bone health, despite the nocturnal habits: a moderate UVB source (5-6% type, low to moderate UV index) over the land area/hot spot, with the option for the animal to expose itself to it or avoid it. Replace tubes/lamps as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Water source

Always available

The centrepiece of the installation: a deep, spacious pool allowing full immersion and turning around. Water maintained at 25-28 °C, efficiently filtered (high organic load from prey and droppings) and dechlorinated. Regular water changes and monitoring of water quality are essential: dirty water promotes skin and respiratory infections. Easy entry/exit access between water and land.

Origin

Crocodylidae

West and Central Africa: forest watercourses, swamps and pools in tropical rainforest (from Senegal to Angola and the Congo Basin).

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — Whole fish, crustaceans, amphibians, small mammals (rodents), chicks; in captivity: whole vertebrate prey and, as a supplement, crocodilian-specific pellets.

Feed whole prey for adequate calcium intake; supplement with calcium/vitamins if needed. An exclusively fish-based diet risks a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency — vary the prey or supplement. Frequency adapted to age (juveniles more often, adults more spaced out); risk of obesity with overfeeding.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 10–20 eggs/young. Egg-laying in a mound of decomposing vegetation providing heat and humidity. Incubation of about 85-105 days; temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The female guards the nest and assists with hatching. Captive breeding is reserved for specialised facilities.

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease / skeletal disorders (calcium-phosphorus imbalance, insufficient D3, UVB)
Respiratory infections ('runny nose') linked to poor water or environmental quality
Stomatitis / oral and dental infections
Bacterial or fungal skin infections (water quality, pool hygiene)
Thiamine (B1) deficiency on a diet too rich in fish; obesity from overfeeding
Trauma (bites between conspecifics, impacts against the enclosure, broken claws/teeth)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for African Dwarf Crocodile.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the african dwarf crocodile.

How big does an adult African Dwarf Crocodile get?▾

An adult African Dwarf Crocodile typically measures 1.5–1.9 m (adult total length. small for a crocodilian; rarely exceeds 2 m. males are generally a little larger than females.).

What temperature and humidity does a African Dwarf Crocodile need?▾

A gradient of roughly 26–29 °C on the cool side to 30–33 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–36 °C. Humidity 70–90 %.

What does a African Dwarf Crocodile eat?▾

Carnivore: Whole fish, crustaceans, amphibians, small mammals (rodents), chicks; in captivity: whole vertebrate prey and, as a supplement, crocodilian-specific pellets..

Is the African Dwarf Crocodile a good reptile for beginners?▾

Expert level. Shy and secretive, often hidden in burrows or under banks, but potentially defensive and dangerous. It is a powerful crocodilian with an injurious bite, capable of serious wounds: never to be underestimated despite its small size and reserved temperament. No bare-handed handling; safety protocols and professional restraint are essential. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 40–75 yrs.

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