EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Salty Gone Fishing

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Family Crocodylidae
Alligator River, Northern Territory, Australia

Explanation:  Beware, crocodiles fish here!  

This is a saltwater crocodile, here in northern Australia known as "salties."  

We are on the incorrectly-named Alligator River in Northern Territory.  The river is influenced by ocean tides that swell up from the river's mouth and push surges of water upstream, carrying with it a host of fishes.

And that is when the crocs go fishing.

At flood tide, the crocs appear at key spots across the width of the river, open a wide gaping mouth, and, with arms out, they funnel unsuspecting fish straight into their toothy prison for a nice meal.  

It is a good time indeed to avoid dipping in for a swim.