Difference Between Alligator and Crocodile

When it comes to strong reptiles with jaws quite like dinosaurs, two come to mind: the alligator and the crocodile. Most of the time, their getup causes any observer to mistake one for another; indeed, these reptiles belong to different families and, therefore, have distinct properties that set them apart. Understanding the difference between alligators and crocodiles is interesting but also essential for wildlife enthusiast biologists and curious minds. The blog, thus, is focused on the tangible features, habitats, behaviors, diet, and much more to the extent that defines how all these differences are in focus between these fierce reptiles.

What Are Alligators and Crocodiles?

These gigantic aquatic reptiles are included in the order Crocodylia and are generally referred to as alligators and crocodiles, respectively. They divergently evolved millions of years ago from one common ancestor. Their chief predator is noteworthy because of their importance in maintaining an ecological balance in their environment.

Differences Between Alligator and Crocodile

Dissimilarly to such professionals, one realizes many similarities between these reptiles. Crocodiles are generally more aggressive than alligators, making them more dangerous than their not-so-aggressive counterparts. Alligators usually prey opportunistically; in other words, they will not likely pursue you as prey unless provoked-well, that’s a really dangerous situation. This does not mean that swimming has become perfectly safe with them. Thus, presumption, precaution, and common sense should be at the forefront of one’s mind whenever in the company of both these creatures while out in the Everglades.

Physical Differences

Sometimes, the shape and jawline of the snout provide one of the fastest and most accurate indications when differentiating alligators from crocodiles. You may find this post on an airboat tour in Miami or other localities where these reptiles are found.

Snout Shape

The snouts of alligators tend to be broader and more rounded than those of crocodiles and exhibit a U-shaped character suited for crushing tough prey such as turtles with enormous bite forces. Their snouts, conversely, are slender, tapering to a point, and therefore exhibit a more V-shape. This allows the crocodile to feed on a myriad of prey items, fish being the most exemplary. Such a pointed snout thus helps precision in targeting during the hunt and in snagging agile prey loitering in the waters.

These shape differences give parameters under which a given ecological niche will cater to different prey on which both animals and birds might feed. Yet, while that helps, some other obvious anatomical and behavioral differences may also tell these two groups apart.

Jawline

When the jaws are closed, alligator teeth are concealed completely differently: an upper jaw is far broader than the lower jaw. The effect could be quite indefinite and far less toothy in appearance than that of crocodiles. Crocodiles have upper and lower jaws approximately equal in size, which keeps their teeth on full display when their mouths are shut – the admittedly less appealing so-called “toothy grin.”

Such jawline differences can occasionally be observed from quite considerable distances and afford some valuable clues for distinguishing between crocodiles and alligators, especially where both types of reptiles coexist in habitat. Along with some others, including snout shape and choice of environment, these external characteristics cumulatively distinguish the groups.

Size and Weight

Alligators

Adult lengths are generally 8 to 15 feet long, depending on the species-specific characteristics of their habitat. The adult can measure between 10 and 15 feet, as the American alligator does.

Adult weight: weighs from 300 to 1,000 pounds on average for adults but can often be much heavier.

Crocodiles

Adult lengths vary among crocodile species. Most smaller species, like the Nile species, are between 10 and 16 feet long, while larger species, such as the saltwater type, grow bigger than 20 feet.

Adult weights: These vary by species. The smaller species weigh around 500 to 1,000 pounds, while the larger ones, like the saltwater crocodiles, could exceed even 2,000 pounds or more.

The Skillset of Both Alligators and Crocodiles

Swimming:

Alligators and crocodiles can swim well. Their bodies and tails allow for easy water movement. A tail provides propulsion while steering the animal’s orientation.

Running on Land:

Both can run at moderate speed for short distances, reaching about 11 miles per hour (17-18 km/h). However, land speed is not maintained for very long distances.

Breath-Holding :

Alligators and crocodiles are professed as animals kept underwater for a vast period. Breath-holding, usually lasting one hour or more, is key for stealth hunting or lying in wait for prey.

Eyes and Vision:

Their eyes are located on the tops of their heads, so they can mostly submerge themselves under the water while peering above the water line. This adaptation makes them camouflaged in their environment and difficult to detect by prey.

Night Vision:

They have very good night vision, which supports them in their nocturnal hunting activity. Their eyes are closely packed with specialized cells called rods, making them see well even in low-light environments.

These generalized characteristics, however, apply to the categories of alligator and crocodile; individual species have inherent differences.

Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae families

Fifteen “real” crocodiles inhabit the family Crocodylidae, while eight species of alligators and crocodiles dwell in Alligatoridae.

Crocodiles:

• American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
• Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
• Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
• Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)
• Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
• Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)
• Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)
• New Guinea Crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae)
• Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)
• Indo-Pacific Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
• West African Crocodile (Crocodylus such)
• Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
• Slender-Snouted Crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus)
• Australian Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni)
• Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

Alligators:

• American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
• Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis)

Caimans:

• Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
• Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare)
• Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
• Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) Schneider’s Smooth-Fronted Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) Schneider’s Smooth-Fronted Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)

Where Do Alligators and Crocodiles Live?

These wonderful creatures can be found all over the continents with slow-moving waters and grasslands: perhaps an ecological description of a bus-tide Everglades boat view!

Habitat

Alligators and crocodiles are semi-aquatic reptiles that live mostly in water. Well adapted to aquatic settings, they live in or very close to various bodies of water, whether rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, or estuaries.

Water Preference

Freshwater typically describes where alligators live, such as a marsh, swamp, or slow-moving river. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, which are tolerant of varying conditions within freshwater, alligators can be found in flooded areas and other freshwater habitats, swampy areas, and slow-moving rivers.

Crocodiles tolerate higher salinities and can be found in freshwater or brackish (fresh and salt) water. Others, like saltwater crocodiles, can also inhabit marine environments.

Distribution

The range of an alligator stretches from China to the southeastern USA states of Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and certain areas of the Gulf Coast.

Crocodiles’ distribution range is much greater; they are present in North America, Central and South America, Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia. Names of some famous ones are American Crocodile, Nile crocodile, saltwater crocodile, etc.

Their Coexistence at Everglades, Florida

The Everglades of Florida represent a unique place for American crocodiles and alligators. Few other places in the world boast of the habitat these two species share.

The choice of habitat by alligators and crocodiles and their geographical distribution are both fascinating and puzzling; however, they still attract interest because of their importance in making conservation decisions and for the well-being of these great reptiles.

Which Reptile Is More Dangerous to Humans?

Instinctively, humans are scared of crocodiles and alligators. This is mostly why both reptiles don’t usually attack people, although children, pet dogs, and other animals may catch their eyes when they need food.

Crocodiles and alligators do not attack humans just because they would rather avoid the company of such annoying guests. It is appropriate to keep your distance and remain away from their natural habitats.

Crocodilians are also faster than they look. They shouldn’t be dismissed as greedy, slow, sun-lazing creatures.

Crocodiles, when completely grown, can run on land as fast as 15 to 22 miles an hour, or 24 to 35 kilometers an hour. Once locked with their upper jaws and most teeth on one’s arms or legs, it is almost impossible to pry them loose. Safe to say this is one toothy grin you want to avoid.

Conclusion

While alligators and crocodiles may seem alike, they differ in general habitat, appearance, and behavior. Knowing the Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae families gives you easy parameters to tell them apart, so there will be no more mix-ups on your next sighting!