Alligator vs Crocodile: Difference between an alligator and a crocodile

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what are the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?  Alligators and crocodiles are two of the most common animals in the Everglades, both belonging to the order Crocodylia. Both are large and exciting to watch, but they have distinct differences. They belong to the order Crocodylia, which has a fascinating evolutionary history dating back to the age of dinosaurs. When on Everglades airboat tours, it’s important to differentiate between the two animals to avoid confusion. Alligator vs. Crocodile: What are the key differences between alligators and crocodiles?

Scientific Classification

Taxonomic RankAlligatorCrocodile
KingdomAnimaliaAnimalia
PhylumChordataChordata
ClassReptiliaReptilia
OrderCrocodiliaCrocodilia
FamilyAlligatoridaeCrocodylidae
GenusAlligatorCrocodylus
Example SpeciesAlligator mississippiensis (American Alligator)Crocodylus niloticus (Nile Crocodile)
 

Common Ancestry

Common Ancestry

Crocodiles and alligators were distinct 80–100 million years ago through geographic distance and climatic factors. The first crocodylomorphs, progenitors of current crocodilians, grew roughly around 230 million years ago and survived important extinctions. Crocodiles have unique salt glands, enabling them to disperse across varied ecosystems.

They have a shared ancestry with birds and dinosaurs, those of the Archosauria group. Crocodiles are prevalent in tropical parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia, whereas alligators are mostly found in the USA and China.

Alligators and crocodiles share many physical similarities, including:

Alligators and crocodiles are large, lizard-shaped reptiles with short legs, bony-plated backs, and muscular tails. They share comparable physical traits such as eyes, snouts, teeth, swimming, breath-holding, and night vision. However, crocodiles are larger and hunt aggressively, whereas alligators are noted for their harsh snarl. Both species are apex predators, devouring varied prey, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and carrion.

What are the key differences between alligators and crocodiles?

Alligator vs Crocodile Difference between an alligator and a crocodile

Alligators and crocodiles have different diets

Alligators and crocodiles have diverse diets dependent on age, location, and species. Alligators are opportunistic feeders, eating insects, amphibians, and small fish, but crocodiles need a smaller variety of mineral content. Both species have varied diets, including American and Chinese alligators and infant crocodiles.

alligator vs crocodile snout

alligator vs crocodile snout shape.jpg

Alligators have U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have V-shaped snouts. The shape of their snouts reflects how they hunt and the types of prey they eat.

Alligators:

  • Have shorter, bulkier snouts
  • Have a U-shaped snout
  • Have a strong bite force
  • Are effective at crushing and breaking open tough prey
  • Prefer freshwater areas
  • Are usually gray or black in color

Crocodiles

  • Have long, pointed snouts
  • Have a V-shaped snout
  • Are adapted for capturing a variety of prey
  • Are useful for catching fast-moving prey in the water
  • Are usually found in saltwater habitats
  • Are usually olive or tan in color

Alligators and crocodiles are both members of the Crocodilia family of animals and share similar morphological features. They both have large snouts, strong tails, small legs, and bony-plated backs.

crocodile vs alligator Jaw Structure

Alligators and crocodiles have different jaw structures, including the shape of their snouts, the size of their jaws, and the visibility of their teeth.

Alligators.

Have a wider upper jaw than their lower jaw, resulting in an overbite.

Crocodiles.

Have upper and lower jaws that are roughly the same size.

 

Alligator vs crocodile differences Skin Color and Texture

Alligator vs crocodile differences Skin Color and Texture

When comparing an alligator and a crocodile, the main difference in their skin is that alligators tend to have a darker, more muted color, usually appearing blackish-grey, while crocodiles are typically lighter in color with an olive or tan hue, often with visible patterned patches; additionally, alligators have a slightly rougher, more bumpy skin texture compared to the smoother, more defined plates on a crocodile’s skin.

Alligators.

Color: Alligators: dark grey to black; Crocodiles: olive green to tan.

Crocodiles.

Texture: Alligators: rougher, bumpier; Crocodiles: smoother, visible armor plates.

Animal Facts.

alligator v crocodile size

Crocodiles are normally larger compared to alligators; however, the size difference depends on the species and their sex.

Size of alligators.

American alligators:  

The largest species of alligator, American alligators, can grow to be around 15 feet long. Male alligators grow faster and larger than females.

Chinese alligators:

A much smaller species of alligator, Chinese alligators are native to a small part of coastal eastern China.

Size of crocodiles.

Saltwater crocodiles:

The largest species of crocodile, saltwater crocodiles, can grow to be around 20 feet long.

Nile crocodiles:

A large species of crocodile, Nile crocodiles can grow to be around 23 feet long. Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals.

crocodile vs alligator bite force

Crocodiles generally have a stronger bite force than alligators.

Saltwater crocodile:

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylusporosus) has the strongest recorded bite of any animal, with a bite force of 3,689 pounds per square inch (psi). This is stronger than some industrial pressure washers.

Nile crocodile:

The Nile crocodile has a bite force of around 5,000 psi. They use their bite to crush their prey before swallowing it.

American alligator:

The American alligator has a bite force of around 2,125 psi. They use their bite to ambush their prey.

which is more dangerous alligator or crocodile?

Crocodiles can be considered as more dangerous than alligators since they are more aggressive and have a larger biting power. However, attacks by any animal are rare.

Crocodiles:

Crocodiles are more likely to attack humans, even unprovoked. They are more active in the water and are known to attack if someone or something is near them. The Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile are two of the most dangerous crocodile species.

Alligators:

Alligators are opportunistic feeders and are instinctively afraid of humans. They are more likely to attack if they are hungry or provoked. Alligators can mistake small children and pet dogs for prey. Geography & Travel.

What makes a crocodile more aggressive than an alligator?

Crocodiles are generally more aggressive than alligators because they are larger, more powerful, and more territorial.

Size and power:

Crocodiles are larger than alligators and can weigh more.
Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest bite force of any animal.

Territoriality :

Crocodiles are more territorial than alligators.
Saltwater crocodiles are known to attack people who are near them.

Behavior:

Crocodiles are more active in the water and are more likely to attack when threatened.
Alligators are more likely to try to escape humans unless they are provoked or hungry.

Safety:

Both alligators and crocodiles are instinctively afraid of people, but they may attack if they are cornered or defending their territory. You should always keep a safe distance from alligators and crocodiles and avoid their natural habitats.

How are the habitats of alligators and crocodiles different?

Crocodiles are generally more aggressive than alligators because they are larger, more powerful, and more territorial.

Size and power:

Crocodiles are larger than alligators and can weigh more.
Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest bite force of any animal.

Territoriality :

Crocodiles are more territorial than alligators.
Saltwater crocodiles are known to attack people who are near them.

Behavior:

Crocodiles are more active in the water and are more likely to attack when threatened.
Alligators are more likely to try to escape humans unless they are provoked or hungry.

Safety:

Both alligators and crocodiles are instinctively afraid of people, but they may attack if they are cornered or defending their territory. You should always keep a safe distance from alligators and crocodiles and avoid their natural habitats. Science & Tech.

Alligator vs crocodile Fight: Who Would Win a Fight?

Crocodiles are more likely to win a battle versus alligators owing to their greater size, aggressive attitude, and stronger biting power. They may get bigger, with the biggest documented reaching over 23 feet long.

Crocodiles have razor-sharp teeth that can penetrate and kill quickly and may attack first even if unprovoked. They may exist in both freshwater and saltwater settings, with crocodiles favoring freshwater locations. Alligators are opportunistic feeders; therefore, theoretical violence between two creatures benefits the crocodile.

which are more dangerous, crocodiles or alligators?

Crocodiles are more potentially dangerous than alligators because to their extremely aggressive and volatile personality. They normally consider people as possible prey, especially in locations where human-crocodile contacts are widespread. The Nile and saltwater crocodiles are the most dangerous species. Alligators, on the other hand, are less inclined to attack people unless threatened or maintaining their territory. They may confuse tiny children and pets for prey, so they more dangerous.

Alligators and crocodiles have many skills

Alligators and crocodiles have many skills that make them excellent hunters, including sharp senses, powerful jaws, and the ability to stay underwater for long periods.

Alligators and crocodiles have night vision, sensitive hearing, pressure sensors, and snouts for detecting water movements. They have powerful jaws with sharp teeth for prey grab, and their bite can be over 2,000 pounds per square inch, crushing bones. Their powerful jaws help them survive in the dark.

Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae are two families

Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae are two families of crocodilians, which are a group of reptiles that also includes gharials.

Crocodylidae:

Members: true crocodiles, such as the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

Snout: Longer, V-shaped, and pointed, which helps them catch fish in a variety of environments.

Habitat: Coastal, brackish, and salt-water habitats

Alligatoridae:

Members: alligators and caimans, such as the American alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis).

Snout: Broad, U-shaped, and rounded, which helps them crush prey like turtles and shellfish

Habitat: Usually found in fresh water. Interesting Animal Facts.

Alligator & Crocodile Species List

Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae are two families of crocodilians, which are a group of reptiles that also includes gharials.

Common NameScientific NameHabitat
American AlligatorAlligator mississippiensisFreshwater
Chinese AlligatorAlligator sinensisFreshwater
American CrocodileCrocodylus acutusSaltwater
Australian Freshwater CrocodileCrocodylus johnsoniFreshwater
Cuban CrocodileCrocodylus rhombiferFreshwater
Morelet’s CrocodileCrocodylus moreletiiFreshwater
Nile CrocodileCrocodylus niloticusFreshwater
Saltwater CrocodileCrocodylus porosusSaltwater
Mugger CrocodileCrocodylus palustrisFreshwater
GharialGavialis gangeticusFreshwater
False GharialTomistoma schlegeliiFreshwater
Dwarf CrocodileOsteolaemus tetraspisFreshwater
Black CaimanMelanosuchus nigerFreshwater
Spectacled CaimanCaiman crocodilusFreshwater
Broad-snouted CaimanCaiman latirostrisFreshwater
Yacare CaimanCaiman yacareFreshwater