Can crocodiles make water vibrate on the surface?

Question

I was standing on a rocky outcrop that jutted out into the salt water. Water started vibrating violently on the surface about 2 metre or so in length. Appeared initially like bait fish creating action on surface but no bait fish to be seen. The vibrating water moved in a circular motion around me. Could the action have been caused by a crocodile?

Answer 1

Yes it could have been a crocodile. They do this during mating season to impress females, its called bellowing. If this is what it was you should also have heard a low rumbling/growling noise also. Its an amazing thing to see.

Answer 2

yep

Answer 3

Yes, it could have been. But really, crocodiles only do that to display dominance or impress females. Were you in crocodile territory? I wouldn't be near water in crocodile territoy lol.

If the crocodile WAS growling to show dominance, it would cause the water quite a stir. If it was only small ripples and circles I would say something like small fish or possible even a swimming mammal like a platypus...

Answer 4

ya, they can

Answer 5

crocs and gators when they growl - really vibrate the water

yep

Answer 6

The males use it to impress females and call them for courtship. They also do this to warn away any other males who might be around.  We can't hear the vibrations but it can make the the whole surface of the water dance.

Answer 7

If you could have seen baitfish, surely you could have seen a crocodile. They make a low roaring like sound, so you would have heard it as well as seen it. It was probably either fish or a weird gust of wind.

Answer 8

yes the make a low "growling" noise and it makes the water vibrate, they are usually near the surface for this to happen.

Answer 9

Are you talking about an Australian Saltwater croc?

Well, yes it could have been.

But it also could have been caused by bait fish, or a large fish, like a GT, or a shark, or a ray, a rock cod, or many others.

But if you are in Croc country...and you are in the water... you are an idiot.

Dont worry about the swirl in the water you can see... the croc that will get you will be the one you don't see.