Crocodiles and alligators

In short: Crocodiles and alligators are large, predatory reptiles that have existed almost unchanged for over 80 million years, having survived the age of the dinosaurs. Despite their outward similarity, they can be told apart by head shape and habitat.

In more detail: Crocodiles have a more pointed, V-shaped snout, while alligators have a broader, U-shaped snout, which among other things affects tooth placement.

In detail

• Snout shape: With the mouth closed, crocodiles show almost all their teeth, while alligators show only the upper ones.
• Distribution: Alligators live mainly in the USA and China, while crocodiles inhabit tropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Salt tolerance: Many crocodile species can also survive in saltwater, while alligators prefer almost exclusively freshwater.
• Hunting behavior: Both typically lie motionless in the water and snap at prey approaching the shore with explosive speed.
• Death roll: Crocodiles and alligators often roll around their own body axis to tear off larger pieces of prey.
• Parental care: Both groups guard their nests and carefully carry newly hatched young in their mouths to the water.
• Threats: Several crocodile species are threatened or highly endangered due to habitat loss and earlier trade in leather products (amphibien-und-reptilien-ueberblick).