(tagging as NSFW just in case, even though I'm not sure if it counts)
TL;DR - questioning being an autozoophile of the reptilian variety but am not sure if this is truly what I'm experiencing.
I didn't wanna discuss this on Tumblr because some of my friends are younger minors and I don't want to get my account terminated. But I'm questioning being an autozoophile - for those who don't know, that means you're attracted to the concept of yourself as a nonhuman animal. I've felt like this for a few years but stumbled across the term about a week and a half ago.
Specifically, I think I may be attracted to seeing myself as a crocodilian, which is kinda weird because I think mammals are the most common preference? I'm most drawn to spectacled caimans and gharials.
Thing is, I don't know if this is a paraphilia or not because I've never felt sexual attraction or arousal. I'm an (extremely) sex-repulsed asexual, and I know asexuals can still have paras and whatnot but it's never been like that for me.
It feels kinda like how sexual feelings are described, but it's always described as feeling good, not a distressing, borderline painful sensory nightmare like it is for me. Plus I've never felt anything, physical, psychosomatic or otherwise, when attempting physical stimulation. Instances of possible attraction also tend to only happen in dreams; rarely when I'm awake - though this could be because in my dreams I can either be or be turning into a crocodilian.
I also think it may have formed from trauma, if that's anything. It may be tied to the societal perception of crocodilians as evil, nuisance animals, and possessions in the form of leather products and pets.
I guess I'll treat this like a Q&A so other zoos and paraphiliacs in general can maybe help me figure it out. I'll try consulting my therapist as well but I don't know how much help she'll be. I find asking the actual community is one of the best courses of action.