The gharial has a long, slender snout adapted for catching fish, which changes shape as the individual ages, typically becoming longer and thinner over time. Its body is dark brown to greenish-brown on the upper side and yellowish-white to white underneath. Male gharials possess a bulbous growth on the tip of their snout known as a “ghara,” which serves as a visual cue during courtship and aids in bubble production during mating, as well as producing a buzzing sound. They have webbed feet to facilitate movement in water and their scales are smooth, differing from most crocodiles and alligators.