Crocodiles and Their Curious Habit of Swallowing Rocks

It might seem bizarre, but crocodiles intentionally swallow rocks. This intriguing behavior has puzzled observers for centuries and has multiple purposes, which are vital to their survival.

These rocks, known as gastroliths, help grind up and digest tough food materials. Their stomachs use the stones to pulverize and break down their prey for more efficient digestion.

Gastroliths also assist in managing buoyancy. By swallowing different sizes of rocks, crocodiles can adjust their position in the water column, aiding in hunting and stealth movements.

With rocks in their bellies, crocodiles can stay submerged longer. This reduces the need for frequent swimming, which conserves energy, an important aspect for an ambush predator.

These ingested stones might also play a role in mineral nutrition. They can leach essential minerals into the crocodile’s system, supplementing their diet beyond what their prey can provide.

Some ancient crocodile relatives were herbivores, not carnivores. This surprising fact challenges our understanding of crocodile evolution and dietary habits.