
Wondering how to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles? While they look similar, subtle differences in their snouts, teeth, and habitats make it easy to distinguish between them.
Difference between Alligator, Crocodile and Gharial
Here's a breakdown of the key differences between alligators, crocodiles, and gharials, focusing on their physical features, habitats, and behavior:
1. Physical Features
- Alligators: Broad, U-shaped snouts; only upper teeth visible when mouth is closed; generally darker color.
- Crocodiles: V-shaped, narrow snouts; both upper and lower teeth visible when mouth is closed; usually lighter, tan or olive-green.
- Gharials: Extremely narrow snout; specialized for catching fish; visible teeth and bulbous growth on males' snouts.
2. Habitat and Distribution
- Alligators: Freshwater environments in the southeastern United States and China.
- Crocodiles: Prefer saltwater but can also be found in freshwater; distributed worldwide.
- Gharials: Native to the Indian subcontinent; prefer deep, fast-moving rivers.
3. Behavior and Diet
- Alligators: Less aggressive, eat fish, birds, and mammals.
- Crocodiles: More aggressive; broader diet including fish, birds, and larger animals.
- Gharials: Mostly eat fish; less dangerous to humans.
4. Conservation Status
- Alligators: Stable in the U.S., endangered in China.
- Crocodiles: Some species stable, others critically endangered.
- Gharials: Critically endangered.
Difference between Crocodiles and Alligators

1. Crocodile has tan or greenish gray skin whereas Alligators have dark gray or black color.
2. When the mouth of the Crocodile is closed, both the top and teeth are visible. When the mouth of Alligator is closed, only the top teeth are visible.
3. Crocodile has a narrow head and a long snout. Alligator has a wide head and wide "U" shaped snout.
4. Crocodile has a sensor pits all over the body. Alligator has a sensor pits only on the head.
5. Crocodile lays about 50 eggs whereas Alligator lays about 45 eggs.
6. Crocodile builds a nest under the ground whereas Alligator builds a nest above the ground.
7. Crocodiles are generally found in countries of North American, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Alligators are generally found in countries of North America and Eastern China.
Similarities between Alligator and Crocodile
The alligator and the crocodile share many characteristics and are easily confused. Both have long, powerful bodies carried close to the ground on their short legs. Their tails have lots of strong muscles to help them swim; they also use them as weapons to defend themselves. Their thick scaly hides also help protect them from the attacks of other animals. Both have long jaws that are lined with sharp teeth to grab prey. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located on the tops of their heads so that they may hide under water but still be able to see, breathe and hear above the surface of the water.
Alligators and crocodiles both lay eggs; mother crocodiles and alligators usually carry their newly hatched young to the water by carrying them in their mouths. Both alligators and crocodiles eat small animals such as reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals. Sometimes they catch larger animals but they cannot swallow them whole.
How can you tell an alligator from a crocodile? An alligator has a rounded snout at the end of its face; the crocodiles face is pointed. When an alligator is grown up, you cannot see any of its teeth when its mouth is closed; you can see the crocodiles fourth tooth on either side of its jaw when its mouth is closed. In other words, you can "C" the crocodiles teeth!
Differences Between Alligator and Crocodile Teeth
1. Teeth Visibility
- Alligators: Only upper teeth are visible when the mouth is closed due to the broader upper jaw.
- Crocodiles: Both upper and lower teeth are visible when the mouth is closed; the fourth lower tooth is especially prominent.
2. Tooth Shape and Size
- Alligators: Teeth are conical and uniform, designed for gripping and crushing.
- Crocodiles: Sharper, more varied teeth for gripping and tearing tougher prey.
3. Bite Functionality
- Alligators: Broad snouts and strong bite suited for crushing.
- Crocodiles: Stronger bite force; sharp teeth and narrow snout adapted for tearing.
Genetic difference
Genetically, alligators and crocodiles are distinct despite their similarities, as they belong to different families within the order Crocodylia. Alligators are part of the family Alligatoridae, while crocodiles belong to the family Crocodylidae. Their genetic divergence occurred over 80 million years ago, with each evolving unique adaptations suited to their environments. This genetic separation is reflected in their physical traits, behaviors, and habitats. For example, alligators are more tolerant of colder climates than crocodiles, partly due to differences in metabolic genes. Additionally, the structural genes responsible for jaw shape and tooth arrangement have evolved differently, giving alligators a broader snout and a hidden lower row of teeth when the mouth is closed, contrasting with the more V-shaped snout and interlocking teeth of crocodiles.
Caiman Crocodile Vs Alligator
Caimans, crocodiles, and alligators are all members of the order Crocodylia but belong to different families and have distinct physical and behavioral differences. Caimans are part of the family Alligatoridae, like alligators, but are native to Central and South America. They are generally smaller than crocodiles, with tougher, bony scales called osteoderms, especially around their belly, making their skin less desirable in the leather trade. Alligators, also in the Alligatoridae family, have broad, U-shaped snouts and are primarily found in freshwater environments in the southeastern United States and China.
In contrast, crocodiles belong to the family Crocodylidae and have a narrower, V-shaped snout, with both upper and lower teeth visible when their mouth is closed. They are found worldwide and are more adaptable to saltwater habitats. Behaviorally, caimans and alligators are generally less aggressive than crocodiles, which are known for their territorial and sometimes aggressive nature toward humans.
Common Questions and FAQ's
1. Does Florida have alligators and crocodiles?
Yes, Florida is the only place in the world with both alligators and crocodiles.
2. Where do alligators and crocodiles live?
Alligators live in freshwater environments, while crocodiles are found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats globally.
3. Where do alligators and crocodiles coexist?
They coexist in South Florida, particularly in the Everglades.
4. American alligator and American crocodile range?
American alligators are found throughout the southeastern U.S., while American crocodiles are limited to South Florida and parts of the Caribbean.
5. Can alligators and crocodiles breed?
No, they cannot breed as they are genetically distinct species.
6. Can alligators and crocodiles mate?
While they may attempt to mate, they cannot produce offspring due to genetic differences.
7. Are there alligators and crocodiles in the Everglades?
Yes, the Everglades is home to both American alligators and American crocodiles.
8. How different is an alligator and crocodile snout?
Alligators have a broad, U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout.
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