The gharial is poorly equipped for locomotion on land. It usually only leaves the water to bask and nest, both of which usually occur on sandbanks. The gharial is one of the largest of all crocodilian species, approaching C. porosus in maximum size - males reach 6 to 7 metres in length. The diet changes between juvenile and adult - the juveniles are well suited to deal with a variety of invertebrate prey such as insects, plus smaller vertebrates such as frogs. Some of the larger gharials are more opportunistic and take larger prey, including mammals.
Males guard a harem of several females.
The mating period occurs for two months during November, December and into January. The size of the eggs in gharials is the largest for any crocodilian species, weighing on average 160 grams. After 83 to 94 days, the juveniles emerge, although the female has not been observed assisting the hatchlings to the water as in many other crocodilian species. This is perhaps because of the unsuitability of their jaws for carrying hatchlings, and also because of their needle-sharp teeth. However, protection of the young does occur around the nesting area for some time after hatching.