WHICH little crocodiles will grow quickly and have the finest skin fit to be turned into handbags and shoes?

It's a question Sydney scientists are helping answer, with the completion of the full genetic sequence of the commercially important saltwater crocodile.

Sought after skin...Crocodile leather is used for shoes, belts and this Emporio Armani crocodile-print bag. Credit:Geoff Boccalatte

Chris Moran, of the University of Sydney, said the crocodile industry was worth about $9 million a year in exports.

The genome research could lead to the identification of genes linked to economically important traits, such as growth rates, skin quality and disease resistance.