The 13 Largest Crocodiles Ever Measured
Some crocodiles are big, sure—but a few are so huge they end up in record books, news reports, or fossil displays. This list isn’t based on local legends or guesses. Every crocodile here was either measured directly or studied in a controlled setting. No exaggeration—just real giants, each with the numbers to prove it.
Lolong – 20 ft 3 in (6.17 m)
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Found in a small village in the Philippines, this saltwater crocodile drew global attention. Lolong was heavier than a car and longer than most boats. He spent his final years under observation and still holds the record for the largest crocodile ever recorded.
Cassius – 17 ft 11 in (5.48 m)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sunbathing in Queensland, Australia, this elderly croc has lived a quiet life for years. Cassius isn’t the flashiest, but his massive frame speaks for itself. Visitors are often shocked when they realize he’s still alive—and still one of the biggest ever caught.
Yai – 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)
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This crocodile barely blinks—but his size is impossible to ignore. Yai is a hybrid of saltwater and Siamese, and at nearly 20 feet long, he remains one of the biggest living reptiles in captivity.
Gomek – 17 ft 8 in (5.41 m)
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Tourists in Florida once stood just feet away from this calm giant. Gomek, originally from Papua New Guinea, became known for his tolerance of humans. His enormous body and quiet nature made him one of the most famous crocodiles until his death in 1997.
Kalia – 17 ft 1 in (5.21 m)
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Spotted regularly in the creeks of Bhitarkanika National Park, this Indian crocodile didn’t need to move much to get noticed. Kalia was thick-bodied and slow-moving. He spent years living peacefully in a protected area before passing away in 2010.
Unnamed (Sri Lanka, 2016) – 17 ft 9 in (5.4 m)
Credit: The Peninsula Qatar
After being caught in a canal after heavy rains, this reptile made headlines in southern Sri Lanka. Wildlife officers had to carefully relocate the 17-foot reptile. Photos of the move quickly spread and showed the world just how massive the animal really was.
Unnamed (Borneo, 2012) – 19 ft (5.8 m)
Credit: flickr
This impressive creature was pulled from a river in Borneo and startled locals with its bulk. It measured 19 feet long, had a wide snout, and dark, patterned skin. After it was secured and examined, it was safely released back into nearby wetlands.
Unnamed (Myanmar, 1957) – 19 ft 2 in (5.84 m)
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Decades ago in Myanmar, a large saltwater crocodile was shot near a fishing village. It stretched over 19 feet and was officially recorded by local officials. Though little footage exists, the report remains a key part of its size history.
Unnamed (Australia, 1958) – 20 ft (6.1 m)
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Northern Australia has seen its fair share of big crocodiles, but this one stood out. It was found in the Norman River in 1958, and measured an even 20 feet. Reports at the time documented its length and it became one of the biggest crocodiles ever caught in Australia.
Sarcosuchus (Prehistoric) – Estimated 40 ft (12 m)
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If dinosaurs had to watch their backs in the river, this was probably why. Sarcosuchus lived around 100 million years ago and is believed to have reached 40 feet. It wasn’t a crocodile in the modern sense—but it was close and terrifying.
Bujang Senang – Estimated 19 ft (5.8 m)
Credit: X
Tales surrounded this large crocodile in Sarawak, Malaysia, but it wasn’t just folklore. Bujang Senang was eventually captured and its length was found to be roughly 19 feet. Locals recognized him by a white scar down his back, and he went on to become one of the most well-known crocs in the region.
Pointe-Noire Crocodile – 17 ft 3 in (5.26 m)
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Located near a riverbank in the Republic of Congo, the size of this croc was determined after being caught by local wildlife authorities. At just over 17 feet, it was one of the largest Nile crocodiles documented in the area. Locals had seen it for years before it was captured.
Gustave – Estimated 18-20 ft (5.5-6.1m)
Credit: Reddit
This creature has reportedly been seen for decades. Gustave is a Nile crocodile known for his size and mysterious behavior. Though never officially measured, researchers who’ve studied him estimate his length at about 18 feet based on photo analysis.