Uncommon reports of other food items: soft shell turtles, birds, plant material, small mammals.
Young eat tadpoles and invertebrates, in addition to fish.
Feeding
Strategies
Sit and wait: anterior of body floating or completely submerged; remains motionless waiting for prey.
Sweeping search: head and front of body slowly sweeps through the water back and forth looking for prey. Detection facilitated by presence of ISO's
Rapid strike: suddenly, swings snout to the side and grabs a fish in one swift motion. The narrow snout reduces drag in the water, allowing for a quick, whip-like motion.
Gastroliths: occasionally swallow small stones (=gastroliths) to assist in grinding up food.
Fish Predator
A gharial's thin, pointed teeth help it pierce and grasp its fish prey.
