Difference between Alligator and Crocodile

From top to bottom: crocodile, caiman and alligator

If proper attention is not payed, one might confuse an alligator with a crocodile. However, it just takes a look at their snout to be able to differentiate one from another. Crocodiles have a long, pointed, v-shaped snout, while alligators, on the other hand, have a rounded U-shaped snout. Alligators' upper jaw and lower jaw have the same size of teeth, which makes it almost impossible to close their teeth. The structure of the jaw makes them appear like they are always grinning.

Alligators and crocodiles used to be genetically mutual, but now they are genetically separated. This makes it impossible for both species to mate together; therefore, they are different from each other.

Alligators are usually found in freshwater habitats and occasionally in brackish water, while crocodiles thrive in saltwater, brackish, and freshwater habitats. Alligators are generally less aggressive when compared to crocodiles, as evidenced by the lower frequency of alligator attacks on humans.

Alligator

Alligators belong to the family Alligatoridae, the genus Alligator, and the class Reptilia. They have a maximum speed of 32 km/hr when in water and a lifespan of 30-50 years. Alligators have 74 to 80 teeth at any given time and can grow up to 2000-3000 teeth in a lifetime, which they periodically lose and regrow. They also have a bite force of 2125 pounds per square inch and are generally dark grey or black, with younger alligators showing a lighter color. Female alligators lay an average of 20-50 eggs, and incubation lasts about 65 days. The average size for a male alligator is about 11 feet, and for a female, it is around 8 feet.

Crocodile

Crocodiles, belonging to the family Crocodylidae and the scientific subfamily Crocodylinae, are large semi aquatic animals with a lifespan of about 70-100 years. They are typically a light olive green color. Their body shape allows only the face to be above water while the rest is inside the water. They possess mighty jaws with 64 to 68 teeth visible. Crocodiles also have webbed toes that are covered with very sharp claws. Their aggressive nature is attributed to their strong territorial instincts, and they are more likely to encounter humans due to their preference for coastal habitats.

	Alligator	Crocodile
Snout shape	U-shaped	V-shaped
Aggressiveness	Less aggressive	More aggressive
Habitat	Freshwater and occasionally brackish	Saltwater, brackish, and freshwater
Color	Dark grey or black	Light olive green
Lifespan	30-50 years	70-100 years
Average size	Males 11 ft, Females 8 ft	Variable, with some species like the Saltwater Crocodile reaching up to 23 ft
Teeth	74-80 at a time, up to 2000-3000 in a lifetime	64-68 visible at a time, does not frequently replace

Venn diagram: Crocodile vs alligator

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between alligator and crocodile?

The key differences between alligators and crocodiles include snout shape, habitat preference, color, and behavior. Alligators have a U-shaped snout and prefer freshwater habitats, are darker in color, and are less aggressive compared to crocodiles, which have a V-shaped snout, inhabit a wider range of water types, are a lighter olive green color, and tend to be more aggressive.

Who would win alligator vs crocodile?

In a hypothetical encounter, the outcome would depend on various factors such as the size, age, and species of the crocodile or alligator. Generally, crocodiles are more aggressive and have a greater bite force, which might give them an advantage.

Why are crocodiles more aggressive than alligators?

Crocodiles are considered more aggressive than alligators due to their natural behavior and territorial nature, especially in species such as the Saltwater and Nile crocodiles, which are known to be more likely to engage with humans and other animals.

Does Florida have alligators or crocodiles?

Florida is home to both alligators and the American crocodile, with alligators being more common and crocodiles primarily residing in the coastal areas of South Florida.

What animal kills the most alligators?

Larger predators, including humans and occasionally other alligators, are known to kill alligators. Juvenile alligators are prey to birds, raccoons, bobcats, and other predators.

Would an alligator beat a gorilla?

An encounter between an alligator and a gorilla would be unusual and the outcome would depend on numerous variables such as the environment, size, and strength of the individual animals.

Why is Florida the only place with alligators and crocodiles?

Florida is not the only place with both alligators and crocodiles, but it is unique in the United States for having both species naturally. Globally, other countries like China and Australia also have both.

Do crocodiles swim in the ocean in Florida?

The American crocodile, which is found in Florida, can swim in the ocean, although it primarily resides in brackish and freshwater environments.

Are Florida crocodiles aggressive?

The American crocodile is typically shy and reclusive, less likely to be aggressive towards humans compared to other crocodile species found elsewhere.