Alligators and crocodiles are both large aquatic reptiles with long muscular tails sharp teeth and scaly skin. But while these two animals may look similar there are actually several key differences between them.
For starters alligators are typically found in fresh water while crocodiles tend to live in salt water. Additionally alligators have shorter and broader snouts while crocodiles have longer and narrower ones. And while alligators can grow to be quite large (up to 15 feet in length) crocodiles can grow even larger often reaching lengths of 20 feet or more.
So which is bigger – an alligator or a crocodile? While both animals can grow to be quite large crocodiles tend to be the biggest often reaching lengths of 20 feet or more.
What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?
Alligators and crocodiles are both part of the order crocodilia however they are different species.
Alligators are typically black or dark olive green while crocodiles tend to be a lighter brown.
Alligators have a broader snout and rounder belly while crocodiles have a narrower snout and a more V-shaped belly.
Alligators are found in the southeastern United States while crocodiles are found throughout the tropics.
Which is the biggest an alligator or a crocodile?
crocodiles are typically much larger than alligators.
The largest alligator on record was just over 15 feet long while the largest crocodile on record was over 23 feet long!
Which is more dangerous an alligator or a crocodile?
Both alligators and crocodiles can be dangerous but crocodiles tend to be more aggressive and are thus more dangerous to humans.
Do alligators and crocodiles eat the same things?
Alligators and crocodiles are both carnivores but their diets can differ depending on the size and species of the individual animal.
Alligators typically eat fish frogs reptiles and small mammals while crocodiles tend to eat larger prey such as fish mammals and birds.
How do alligators and crocodiles kill their prey?
Alligators and crocodiles both use their powerful jaws to kill their prey.
They will grip onto their victim with their teeth and then use their strength to drown or crush them.
Do alligators and crocodiles have the same lifespan?
Alligators and crocodiles have a similar lifespan with both species living an average of 50 years in the wild.
How do alligators and crocodiles reproduce?
Alligators and crocodiles both lay eggs which they incubate in nests on land.
Once the eggs hatch the parents provide care for their young until they are able to fend for themselves.
How often do alligators and crocodiles shed their skin?
Alligators and crocodiles both shed their skin regularly typically every 2 to 3 weeks.
What is the difference between an alligator’s and a crocodile’s teeth?
Alligators and crocodiles both have sharp teeth that they use to kill their prey.
Alligators have teeth that are more triangular in shape while crocodiles have teeth that are more serrated.
How much does an alligator or crocodile weigh?
Alligators and crocodiles can vary greatly in size so their weight can also vary greatly.
The average alligator weighs between 200 and 700 pounds while the average crocodile weighs between 1000 and 2000 pounds.
What is the average length of an alligator or crocodile?
Alligators and crocodiles can again vary greatly in size so their length can also vary greatly.
The average alligator is between 8 and 12 feet long while the average crocodile is between 15 and 20 feet long.
Where do alligators and crocodiles live?
Alligators are found in the southeastern United States while crocodiles are found throughout the tropics.
What is the difference between an alligator’s and a crocodile’s skin?
Alligators and crocodiles both have tough scaly skin that protects them from predators and helps them to camouflage in their natural habitats.
Alligators typically have dark olive green or black skin while crocodiles tend to have lighter brown skin.
What is the difference between an alligator’s and a crocodile’s eyes?
Alligators and crocodiles both have long narrow eyes that help them to see both above and below the water.
Alligators typically have brown eyes while crocodiles tend to have yellow eyes.
What is the difference between an alligator’s and a crocodile’s diet?
Alligators and crocodiles are both carnivores but their diets can differ depending on the size and species of the individual animal.
Alligators typically eat fish frogs reptiles and small mammals while crocodiles tend to eat larger prey such as fish mammals and birds.
