VIDEO & PHOTO GALLERY: This 400kg monster croc doesn't have a name yet but the 4m animal became the biggest celebrity in Cairns yesterday.

A crowd of onlookers and a media scrum scrambled for a glimpse of the rogue crocodile as a crane lifted him to shore after spending nearly three days at sea on a cargo ship.

The 4m giant, captured off the Cape York community of Injinoo last week, did not disappoint.

Thrashing in his cage after being lifted on to an Environmental Protection Agency trailer, he blinked his big emerald eyes at curious kids and prying cameras.

View more pictures at our Croc Tales Picture Gallery. 

Crew onboard the Seaswift vessel Newcastle Bay were happy to treat their unexpected passenger to hourly hosing, a shaded enclosure and some TLC.

He might also be able to look forward to a spot of country music.

"The theory is if you play music to them and they are in a quiet environment, it keeps them calm … they react better to any sudden loud noise," senior ranger Brian Wright said.

When asked what style might suit his latest catch, Mr Wright joked "definitely not Triple J".

EPA district manager for Cape York, Tim White, said a trap was set because of dominant behaviour by the male and his close proximity to Injinoo’s primary school and boat ramp.

"He was swimming high on the water with his head and tail out of the water," he said.

"He was also seen sunbaking on the beach and near the boat ramp."

Mr White said a 3.6m crocodile was caught 10 days ago but this was the big one they were targeting.

Onlooker Vic Apostol from Whitfield said Jakob, 2, and Kateesha, 6, loved the excitement of seeing a big croc.

"This is the first time the kids have seen a croc this close," he said.

Bayview Heights woman Helen O’Reilly-Smith was impressed the big fella was so active.

The reptile will remain with the EPA until a home is found at a crocodile farm or zoo.

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