The CROCODILE is so called from its saffron or crocus colour. It is born in the River Nile, an amphibious animal with four legs: generally twenty cubits in length: armed with an awfullness of teeth and claws. Such is the toughness of its hide that however much a blow of massive strokes upon its back, it does not hurt it. It reposes in the water by night, on land by day. It hatches it eggs in the sand. The male and female protect the eggs by turns. Certain fish wich have a serrated crest destroy it, ripping up the tender parts of the belly.
Description of a medieval bestiary