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Science & Nature • Reptile

Gharial

The gharial (*Gavialis gangeticus*) is a critically endangered Asian crocodilian known for its long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered Asian crocodilian known for its long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish. It is one of the two living species in the family Gavialidae and survives today mainly in rivers of northern India and Nepal.

Taxonomy and classification

The gharial is a crocodilian species in the family Gavialidae. Its scientific name is Gavialis gangeticus, and it is one of only two living species in the family.

Physical characteristics

Gharials are known for their long, narrow snouts and many interlocking teeth, features suited to catching fish. Adult males are larger than females and develop a bulbous snout tip called a ghara.

Habitat and distribution

The species lives in freshwater river systems, especially deep pools and sandy banks. Its current distribution is mainly limited to parts of northern India and Nepal.

Diet and behaviour

Gharials are specialized predators that feed mainly on fish. Their slender snouts and tooth arrangement help them seize slippery prey in moving water.

Conservation status

The gharial is classified as Critically Endangered and has undergone major population declines. Major threats include habitat loss and river modification, and remaining populations are small and fragmented.

Key facts

  • The gharial is an Asian crocodilian with a distinctive long, thin snout.
  • It is adapted for catching fish and is primarily piscivorous.
  • It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
  • The species now survives in fragmented populations in South Asia.
  • The gharial is one of only two extant species in Gavialidae.
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Canadian context

Gharials are not native to Canada, but they are relevant to Canadian readers through zoological collections, wildlife conservation education, and international species-protection efforts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gharial?
A gharial is a critically endangered Asian crocodilian species known scientifically as Gavialis gangeticus.
Where do gharials live?
Gharials live in freshwater rivers, mainly in parts of northern India and Nepal.
What do gharials eat?
They eat mostly fish, using their long, narrow snouts to catch slippery prey.
Why does a male gharial have a bulb on its snout?
The bulb, called a ghara, is found on mature males and is used in courtship and sound production.
How endangered is the gharial?
The gharial is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
Is a gharial a crocodile or an alligator?
It is a crocodilian, but it is neither a crocodile nor an alligator; it belongs to its own family, Gavialidae.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/gharial
    Supports: Scientific name, common name, conservation status, and general description as an Asian crocodilian with a long, thin snout.
  2. Smithsonian's National Zoo — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/gharial
    Supports: Family placement and the fact that gharial is one of only two species in Gavialidae.
  3. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/reptiles/facts-about-gharials
    Supports: Habitat range, specialized fish diet, size, and endangered status.
  4. SeaWorld — https://www.sea​world.org/animals/facts/reptiles/gharial/
    Supports: Critically Endangered status and major threats linked to habitat loss and river modification.