What is the largest living reptile?

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile.

Also called the estuarine crocodile, it is scientifically known as Crocodylus porosus. Large adult males commonly reach around 3.9 to 5 metres, with exceptional individuals growing beyond 6 metres. The largest scientifically confirmed specimen measured about 6.32 metres and weighed approximately 1,360 kilograms. Unverified reports of even larger crocodiles exist, but they are difficult to assess because wild animals are often estimated without a complete tape measurement.

Saltwater crocodiles live across coastal South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and nearby islands. Despite their name, they are not restricted to the sea: they also enter brackish estuaries, tidal rivers, lagoons, and freshwater waterways. Their ability to travel through seawater helps explain their broad geographic range.

The green anaconda is exceptionally heavy among snakes, and the leatherback turtle is the largest turtle, but neither is the largest reptile overall. The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard, yet it is much shorter and lighter than a giant saltwater crocodile. Size also varies greatly between sexes: mature males are several times heavier than females.