Crocodile vs Alligator

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Lets face it, crocodiles, alligators or caimans they all look the same, long body and tail and nasty jaws, ready to deliver a crocodile bite.

While crocodiles are very often confused with alligators (and caimans), they belong to two quite separate taxonomic families.

So, what are the main differences between an alligator and a crocodile?

Crocodiles

Species:

There are 14 species of crocodiles which belong to the crocodylidae family comprised of 2 genus.

Size:

Crocodiles are usually larger than alligators, and can reach 6 or 7 meters in length. The exception is the dwarf crocodile which can reach a maximum length of 1,5 m.

Snout and jaw:

The crocodile snout presents a V shaped format and is long a much thinner than that of their cousins, the alligators. In crocodiles, the upper jaw and lower jaw are approximately the same width, and so teeth in the lower jaw fit along the margin of the upper jaw when the mouth is closed.

Habitat:

Crocodiles inhabit several continents from America to Australia.

They can be found in both freshwater or brackish water or even in the ocean, as they have a higher saltwater tolerance due to specialized glands.

Aggressiveness:

Crocodiles are generally considered to be much more aggressive and dangerous than alligators. The largest species are responsible for many human fatalities.

Alligators

Species:

There are only 2 species of alligators which belong to the Alligatoridae family, that also includes caimans.

Size:

Alligators are usually smaller than crocodiles, the American alligator can reach 4 meters in length and the Chinese alligator only reaches about 1.5 m.

Snout and jaw:

Alligator snout is more rounded and presents a distinctive U shape format, its head is also shorter and wider. In alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw, ovelaping it completely. Therefore, the teeth in the lower jaw are almost completely hidden.

Habitat:

Alligators are only found in 2 places in the world. The Florida Everglades national park in the US for the American alligator and the Yangtze river in China is the habitat of the Chinese alligator. They prefer freshwater and have little or none saltwater tolerance.

Aggressiveness:

Alligators are generally considered to be less aggressive than their cousin crocodiles. However attacks on humans do occur most of them due to our own fault.

See also:

Facts about crocodiles for kids
Where crocodiles live
Where do alligators live
Alligator facts for kids

Did you know?

The Cuban crocodile is considered critically endangered only about 4,000 remain.