Crocodiles attack and eat sharks that make experts amazing

The researchers were surprised to find that in the list of alligators, there were sharks and rays.

James Nifong, an ecologist at the University of Kansas, said that the phenomenon of shark-eating crocodiles is astonishing because crocodiles are thought to be predators in freshwater environments, according to National Geographic.

Crocodile crocodile shark off Australia.(Video: YouTube).

Nifong began to study by asking crocodile experts if they had ever seen this reptile chew on animals belonging to the mantle of fish, including sharks and rays. He confirmed 4 separate cases, in which American crocodiles eat lemon shark meat, shark mouth hinges, shovel shark and Atlantic stingray. He also found some historical records of sharks hunting American crocodiles, indicating that two predators regularly confront each other.

"Both species are famous for their special hunting habits and are highly opportunistic carnivores. Therefore, when there is an opportunity to hunt for prey, they will definitely not be ignored ," said Nifong, author of the study. Posted in Southeastern Naturalist magazine, said.

Observations of confrontations between sharks and crocodiles are rare for a number of reasons. Both animals are difficult to observe and observe in coastal environments, according to Adam Rosenblatt, an ecologist at the University of North Florida, crocodile expert. Moreover, crocodiles often eat small shark meat, so they are easily confused with other fish.

Crocodile is ready to eat shark meat when there is a chance.(Photo: Jeremy Conrad).

In the world, there are some observations about crocodiles eating fish meat bearing plates. In Australia, people witness saltwater crocodiles glide on the water to hunt white-eyed buffalo sharks. In South Africa, a Nile crocodile is found with two unidentified sharks in the abdomen.

The most interesting record that Nifong found was the sharks that attacked large crocodiles. In 1877, hundreds of American crocodiles gathered in a small bay near Jupiter, Florida, USA, due to being attracted by fish stuck at high tide. Hundreds of sharks sniff out the potential prey. For several days after the war, the beach stretched 128 kilometers scattered with both species, according to The Fishing Gazette.

"Crocodiles occasionally gather in large flocks to eat plentiful prey, and sharks also behave similarly. Therefore, large-scale clashes are certainly likely between two species." Rosenblatt explained.