Maker of ripples? A toothy reptile gobbles it (8)
I believe the answer is:
agitator
'maker of ripples?' is the definition.
(agitator can mean a device for stirring liquid)
'a toothy reptile gobbles it' is the wordplay.
'toothy reptile' becomes 'gator' (alligator).
'gobbles' indicates putting letters inside.
'gator' going around 'it' is 'gitator'.
'a'+'gitator'='AGITATOR'
(Other definitions for agitator that I've seen before include "One fomenting trouble" , "washing machine" , "One causing trouble" , "One who stirs things up, trouble-maker" , "Provocateur or rabble-rouser" .)