Adult crocodiles lose much of this colour, although it can take many years for this to happen.
Dwarf crocodiles have prominent, dark brown eyes as juveniles.
This colouration aids the crocodiles well in their natural habitat, which is often dark and sheltered pools within canopy forest. Spotting a dwarf crocodile takes skill, especially as they tend to hide in burrows under the sides of banks or around tree roots. Adult O. t. tetraspis Head of adult crocodile Dorsal view of O. t.