Like father like son: Steve Irwin's eight-year-old boy Robert feeds crocodiles at Australia Zoo

Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin's eight-year-old son Robert has proved he is a chip off the old block after he fed dangerous freshwater crocodiles for the first time.

Brave Robert Irwin smiled after feeding garfish to the dangerous reptiles in public view at Australia Zoo in Queensland.

And with his mop of blond hair and khaki clothing, Irwin's son is a spitting image of his crocodile hunter father, who was tragically killed by a stingray barb in 2006.

Young Robert, who was just two-years-old when his father passed away, showed no fear in feeding the vicious crocodiles, even though some could grow to be twice his current size.

It is the first step up from feeding American alligators for the eight-year-old, who will be hoping to feed the larger, more aggressive saltwater crocodiles next.

Freshwater crocodiles mainly live off fish, crustaceans and insects and can grow up to 10-feet long.

But saltwater crocodiles, which lives in fresh and saltwater, are known to be twice the size and possess the world’s most powerful bite.

His mum, Terri Irwin, who runs Australia Zoo, said:  "I’m so proud of Robert, he’s growing up to be a chip off the old block."

The youngster will appearing alongside him mum and sister Bindi, 14, in a new series called Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors.

Terri added: "This is an exciting new show giving Robert his first fair dinkum go on television.

"With exciting archive footage of Steve in every episode, you’ll see how Robert and Bindi are continuing his legacy."

Steve Irwin died in September 2006 after his chest was pierced by a stingray barb while filming a TV documentary, 'Ocean's Deadliest'.

Respected worldwide for his media campaigning, wildlife knowledge and fearless approach, a televised memorial service for Irwin two weeks after his death was watched by an estimated 300million worldwide.