In the mysterious world of reptiles, two apex predators reign supreme – the alligator and the crocodile.
Alligators and crocodiles are different species, but they are both from the same order known as ‘crocodilians’, which means they have many similarties in appearance, size, and behaviour.
While at first it might be difficult to tell them apart, these prehistoric creatures have a distinct collection of differences that set them apart.
So, what really is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
The TL;DR
The 7 key differences between alligators and crocodiles are:
• Color – They share similar body shapes, but their coloration help us to distinguish them. Alligators are typically dark green or black, while crocodiles are lighter shades of green, grey, brown or black often with a speckled pattern.
• Snout Shape – Alligators have broad, rounded snouts in a shape of a U. Crocodiles have a more pointed, V-shaped snout.
• Teeth – Alligators have an overbite, which means when they close their mouths their bottom teeth are barely visible. Crocodiles have teeth that interlock externally and you can see both rows of teeth with their mouths closed.
• Size – Most crocodiles are larger than alligators. In America where both alligators and crococodiles can reside, crocodiles are typically 3-4 feet larger in size.
• Behaviour – Both crocodiles and alligators are cold-blooded, relying on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperatures. However, alligators are more social creatures, and crocodiles are far more aggressive, and territorial.
• Habitat – Alligators and crocodiles also have different habitat preferences. Alligators prefer to inhabit freshwater environments, while crocodiles can be found in salt water.
• Location – Crocodiles have a much wider distribution across central Amercia, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceana. Alligators in comparison are quite limited, found in just Southern USA and China.
Read on for the detail.
The Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles
Alligators and crocodiles indeed possess many similarities, due to their shared ancestry and ecological roles. They are both renowned hunters in their respective habitats.
However, when closely examined, they each possess unique characteristics that have pushed them to the top of their foot chains.
There’s only one place in the world that both alligators and crococdiles co-exist in the wild – South Florida, in the USA.
The Florida Everglades is the most common place where these two species might be spotted together.
What Is a Aligator?
Armed with powerful tails and armored skin, alligators and crocodiles are formidable beasts. When it comes to coloration, alligators tend to be darker, ranging from blacks to grays and olive greens.
Their snouts can also act as a key distinction. Alligators have broader, rounder snouts that are used to crush prey, such as snails, and turtles.
Generally, alligators are smaller than crocodiles. An average American alligator can reach 13 to 15 feet in length.
Another difference is their feet, alligators have webbed feet, while crocodiles have separated toes.
Behaviorally, alligators are the more social of the two. They are more tolerant of their own kind and are often observed living in groups called congregations. In the United States and parts of China, alligators construct nests out of vegetation to protect their eggs.
They may seem interchangeable due to their similar lifestyles, but there is a clear discrepancy in their habitat preferences. Alligators thrive primarily in freshwater like swamps, marshes, and lakes.
What Is a Crocodile?
Compared to alligators, crocodiles are lighter in color. Most exhibit a lighter tan or brown exterior, which better suits their semi-aquatic surroundings.
In addition, crocodiles have sharper V-shaped snouts that enable them to catch a larger selection of prey (e.g. fish and mammals).
Crocodiles are larger in size, relative to alligators. The saltwater crocodile can grow to be the largest living reptile, reaching lengths of over 20 feet.
While alligators have webbed feet, crocodiles have jagged fringe at its feet and hind legs.
On the other hand, crocodiles are more aggressive and territorial. They are usually solitary creatures that like their space. When it comes to rearing young, crocodiles also have a different approach. Once their eggs hatch, they are less involved in caring for their babies compared to alligators.
Crocodiles can survive in freshwater environments, but they are also found in places with saltwater. Hence, the name, saltwater crocodiles. They are found in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
Summary
From the shape of their snouts to their maternal instincts, alligators and crocodiles are not the same! They have a myriad of differences that match their distinct ways of life.
In the vast assembly of animals on the planet, the existence of both alligators and crocodiles is a testament to nature’s ability to form unique creatures. Even closely related species can blossom into separate embodiments of nature’s craftsmanship.
So there you have it – alligators versus crocodiles! Can you spot the differences?