False Gharial aka Malayan Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), subadult, family Gavialidae, found in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

At one time, herpetologists believed this species should be placed in the crocodile family, Crocodylidae.

They are now placed in the Gharial family.

Saltwater crocodile (Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary)

False Gharial (LA Zoo)

American Alligator (Florida's Wildest)

and finally another saltie as a still image (The Cairns Post)

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The mighty Tomistoma schlegelii.

Happy World Tomistoma Day! 🐊

World Tomistoma Day is celebrated on August 5th. It focuses on the tomistoma, also called the false gharial or Sunda gharial, which is a rare, shy, and secretive gavialid crocodilian found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Croctober 2025 days 1-4

Day 1: Barinasuchus

Day 2: Simosuchus

Day 3: Tomistoma

Day 4: Borealosuchus being attacked by T. rex

False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelli) ~ Endangered

“Rhamphostoma schlegelii,” now Tomistoma schlegelii

Plate 106 in Bilder-Atlas zur wissenschaftlich-populären Naturgeschichte der Wirbelthiere, Wien, 1867

via BHL

The Tomistoma, aka False Gharial, is an endangered freshwater crocodilian of the family Gavialidae native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra & Java.