Reported to remain in covered areas during the day, rarely emerging to bask in the open, being primarily nocturnal. May be found in the river systems during the dry season. Superficially similar in appearance to C. siamensis , particularly the juveniles of both species. The snout is relatively narrow. Body colouration is brownish to grey, with darkish banding on the body and tail which is more apparent in younger animals.
Juveniles eat aquatic invertebrates and insects.
Females reach sexual maturity from 1.6 to 2 m, males around 2.5 m. During the breeding season, females construct mound nests. Eggs are laid around 2 weeks after mating. Crocodiles in the north lay 22 to 45 eggs during the dry season, usually in overgrown river tributaries and on floating mats of vegetation. Females remain close to the nest, but do not necessarily defend it actively. Juveniles hatch after around 80 days, and both males and females have been reported to assist opening the nest and moving the hatchlings to the water.