Darwin crocodile’s bizarre pose in the water sparks debate as experts explain what it’s doing

• Reptile spotted in strange position
• The pose is a hunting technique
• READ MORE: Crocodiles seen doing ‘SPIRIT FINGERS’ 

A crocodile caught striking a bizarre pose has left Aussies stumped over the strange move as experts weigh in on the reptile’s unusual behaviour. 

The croc was seen spreading its forelegs while swimming on the surface of the water in Cahill’s Crossing, a known crocodile habitat around 286 kilometres east of Darwin recently. 

A photo of the crocodile showed the animal remaining perfectly still as it appeared to float on the water with the claws on its two front legs splayed and pointing upwards.   

A crocodile caught striking a bizarre pose (pictured) has left Aussies baffled after the reptile was seen in the strange position in a Darwin waterway

The image which has since been uploaded to Facebook left many users baffled as to what the deadly creature was doing by adopting the unique position. 

Some saw the funnier side of the pose, saying the animal was after a cuddle. 

‘He just got his nails done,’ one user wrote. 

However, experts say the pose is a fishing technique crocs use to catch their prey. 

Crocodile biologist and founder of the Crocodylus Wildlife Park Professor Grahame Webb, said the odd position allows the reptile to catch fish swimming at a distance either side of the croc. 

Users on social media were clueless about what the croc was doing lurking in the unusual position

‘(It) allows them to sense a wider area and if they encounter a swimming fish within it, can strike accurately within the ‘capture area,’ Professor Graham told the NT News. 

Special pressure points around a crocodile’s body, including on their hands, means they can detect the smallest movements in water around them – and then pounce on their prey. 

Brandon Sideleau, a crocodile expert at Charles Darwin University, agreed and said the outstretched position allows the reptile to hunt for food more effectively. 

Mr Sideleau said smaller and medium-sized crocs were more likely to position themselves in the unusual pose but it’s not known whether they are likely to use the technique whenever they hunt. 

Professor Graham (pictured left) said the odd pose was a type of fishing technique the reptile uses to catch its prey

Charles Darwin University croc expert Brandon Sideleau (pictured) said smaller crocs are often found using the technique to hunt for food

‘Studies need to be conducted to determine if it is unique to certain locations or if the behaviour is widespread,’ he said. 

The pose also allows crocs to hunt for fish when there’s a change in the tide in rivers and waterways where they often lurk. 

By remaining still they use the position to wait for fish to swim towards them as crocs aren’t quick enough to go after fish. 

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