Крокодил больше чем аллигатор на английском

Обновлено: 03.07.2024

Alligator vs Crocodile: What’s the Difference?

Hey! Watch out for that alligator! Or is it a crocodile? How are we supposed to tell them apart?

These scaly reptiles have been confusing and confounding humans for, well, pretty much forever. Alligators and crocodiles share plenty of similarities, but there are actually key differences between them.

In this article, we’ll explain the main difference between alligator and crocodile species, as well as where you can find them, what they eat, and their relationship with humans. Keep reading to become an expert on alligator vs crocodile similarities and differences!

Alligator vs Crocodile: A Brief Overview

Alligators and crocodiles are reptiles from the same order, Crocodilia. They’ve been around for about 200 million years—even outliving the dinosaurs! These animals are semiaquatic (able to live on both land and water) and are known to be excellent stealth hunters with keen vision and powerful jaws.

The word "alligator" originates from the Spanish word el lagarto, which means "the lizard." It is loosely defined as "any broad-snouted crocodilian." Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Alligatoridae.

An American alligator

The word "crocodile" comes from the Ancient Greek word krokódeilos, which also means "lizard." Within the Crocodilian order, their family is known as Crocodylidae.

An American crocodile

While there are only two living species of alligators, there are over a dozen species of crocodiles found around the world. Here's the full list of alligator vs crocodile species:

Alligator Species

American (Alligator mississippiensis)
Chinese (Alligator sinensis)

Crocodile Species

American (Crocodylus acutus)
Cuban (Crocodylus rhombifer)
Dwarf (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
Freshwater (Crocodylus johnsoni)
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
Morelet’s (Crocodylus moreletii)
Mugger (Crocodylus palustris)
New Guinea (Crocodylus novaeguineae)
Nile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Orinoco (Crocodylus intermedius)
Philippine (Crocodylus mindorensis)
Saltwater (Crocodylus porosus)
Siamese (Crocodylus siamensis)
Slender-Snouted (Crocodylus cataphractus)

Alligator vs Crocodile: Appearance

All crocodilians have roughly the same physiology: a lizard-like body and a tough, scaly skin, with an elongated snout and tails (flattened sideways). They have four limbs (legs) that are small in comparison to their overall bodies; webbed toes; and ears, nostrils, and eyes that sit on top of their heads.

Like all reptiles, crocodilians are cold-blooded and use their environment to help regulate their body temperature (e.g,. by hanging out in the sun to get warm, slipping into the shade or water to cool down etc.).

They're also defined by their jaws, which have incredibly powerful muscles for closing and weak muscles for opening. (This is why it’s so easy for humans to hold their jaws shut!)

A Chinese alligator ( Daiju Azuma /Wikimedia Commons)

How to Identify an Alligator

Alligators are known to have darker hides than crocodiles, often appearing black or dark gray in color. One major difference between alligator and crocodile species is their snouts.

Alligators' main distinguishing feature is their wide, U-shaped snouts, which help them crack through tough shells of prey. When alligators close their mouths, usually only teeth from the top part of their mouths are visible.

Alligators can live anywhere from 30 to 50 years in the wild, although some in captivity have been estimated to live upwards of 70 years.

On average, alligators tend to be smaller than crocodiles, weighing anywhere from 70 to 1,000 pounds. Chinese alligators are also usually shorter than their American counterparts; they’ve been measured at 4.5 to 5 feet, whereas American alligators can range from 10 to 15 feet in length.

How to Identify a Crocodile

One of the main differences between alligators and crocodiles is their color. While alligators appear dark in complexion, crocodiles are usually a lighter brown, green, or gray.

Unlike alligators, crocodile snouts are long, narrow, and pointed (or "V-shaped"). These snouts are great for cracking through the variety of prey that crocodiles around the world eat.

Crocodiles also have toothy smiles when they close their mouths: teeth from both the top and bottom parts of their mouths can be seen.

A Nile crocodile ( Leigh Bedford /Wikimedia Commons)

Crocodiles have a lifespan ranging from 70 to 100 years; however, their size can vary due to the number of species there are. The smallest species (dwarf crocodile) can measure about 6 feet in length and weigh around 13 to 15 pounds, whereas the largest species (saltwater crocodile) can measure more than 20 feet in length and weigh close to 2,000 pounds!

Where Do Alligators and Crocodiles Live?

Alligators are native only to China (Eastern; mostly in the Yangtze River) and the United States (Southern; particularly Florida and Louisiana). Because alligators can't process salt the way crocodiles can, they prefer warmer climates and freshwater environments, such as swamps, lakes, and rivers.

Unlike their alligator cousins, crocodiles can live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Their adaptability makes them more likely to be found throughout the world. In fact, the only continents that don't have crocodiles are Antarctica and Europe. The largest populations of crocodiles can be found in Central Africa (Nile crocodile) and Asia (Borneo; saltwater crocodile).

Global map showing where crocodilians can be found ( Gretarsson /Wikimedia Commons)

Alligator vs Crocodile: Diet

Both crocodiles and alligators are carnivores with slow metabolisms. Because they cannot chew their food, they are known to swallow prey whole. Alligators eat everything from birds and fish to other reptiles, small mammals, and even fruit.

Meanwhile, because of their saltwater environment, crocodiles tend to eat frogs, birds, fish, crustaceans (crab), and large mammals (wildebeest and zebras).

Bats who dip their bellies in rivers to collect water make excellent prey for hungry crocodiles!

Alligators and crocodiles are known as "apex predators." This means they are at the top of their food chains and are vital to maintaining a habitat’s biodiversity. As is typical of apex predators (such as big cats, killer whales, and humans), these reptiles have no natural predators.

Nevertheless, crocodiles and alligators aren’t immune to being hunted. Case in point: big cats such as tigers, lions, and jaguars have been known to hunt and eat crocodiles when the mood (and hunger) strikes.

Habits and Behaviors of Alligators and Crocodiles

Lest you think all crocodilians do is slink through the water looking for prey, think again. Alligators and crocodiles have some interesting habits and social behaviors peculiar to their species.

Socialization and Play

Crocodiles are considered the most social species of reptiles. While perceived as quite solitary creatures, crocodiles will join forces for hunting and raising their babies; they are even known to form long-term relationships with one another!

Interestingly, crocodiles have their own social hierarchy based on size and height (the largest one wins!), which determines who gets the best spot for soaking up the sun (i.e., a "basking site") to help regulate their body temperature and who gets priority eating in large group feedings.

They're also known to play with each other, as well as with other animals and humans (in captivity). Despite this proclivity for fun, crocodiles are still aggressive animals (particularly when it comes to their territory or children) and will attack and kill humans if provoked or threatened.

Alligators are considered less social than their reptilian cousins, though they are known to spend time together while basking or swimming. A group of alligators is called a congregation, which tends to be made up of smaller alligators rather than larger ones who are more territorial and solitary.

Alligators are also known to dig "gator holes" in the dirt or mud when the weather gets to be too much. These tunnels help protect them from extreme temperatures (hot and cold).

Movement

In terms of movement, alligators and crocodiles are similarly athletic: both animals can run on land reaching speeds of about 11 miles per hour; however, their strength is swimming. Alligators and crocodiles can reach speeds upwards of 20 miles per hour in the water and can stay submerged for an hour at a time.

Mating

When they aren’t racing for food, alligators start mating in the late spring and continue into the summer (April-June). Crocodiles don’t begin mating until the summer months (July-August). Both alligators and crocodiles can lay dozens of eggs at a time, with the former averaging 20-50 eggs per batch and the latter averaging 10-60 eggs per batch.

What Is the Relationship Between Alligators, Crocodiles, and Humans?

As the human population continues to spread out, alligators and crocodiles increasingly appear in human environments. Climate change threatens the freshwater habitats of alligators, as the rise in sea levels could inundate freshwater sources with saltwater.

In addition, certain species are facing extinction due to being hunted by humans for their skin, the loss of their habitats, and contamination of their food from pesticides.

Among the crocodiles considered critically endangered are the Cuban, Orinoco, and Philippine. Meanwhile, several other crocodile species are considered vulnerable.

As for alligators, Chinese alligators are critically endangered; you’re more likely to see one in the zoo than in the wild, where reportedly fewer than 130 of them are left.

Summary: Alligator–Crocodile Differences

Alligators and crocodiles are two reptiles from the Crocodilia order. These semiaquatic animals are versatile eaters, fast swimmers, and socially complex. While they’ve been around for millions of years, human encroachment and hunting have left many types of crocodiles and alligators endangered.

So how can you tell the difference between alligator and crocodile species? Check out our chart below for a quick recap on alligator –crocodile differences and similarities.

What’s Next?

Now that you're an expert on alligator – crocodile differences, it's time to learn even more about the animal kingdom . Check out our article on camel spider myths and the truth behind them.

For those studying animals in biology, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to animal cells.

Taking AP Biology? Then read our expert guide to the AP Biology test for tips to help you ace the exam.

Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!

Brittany Logan graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a Master of Science with Honors. She has a dual-degree Master's from Sciences Po School of Journalism in Paris, and earned her Bachelor’s in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has spent several years working in higher education- including as an English teacher abroad and as a teaching assistant in science writing at Columbia University’s Earth Institute.

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Крокодил больше аллигатора. Аллигатор меньше, чем крокодил. Крокодил длиннее, чем аллигатор, больше и тяжелее. Пасть крокодила длиннее, чем пасть аллигатора. Крокодилы также более опасны, чем аллигаторы. Они хуже аллигаторов. Многие животные боятся и аллигаторов и крокодилов.

Новые вопросы в Английский язык

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bigger and heavier.The crocodile's snout is longer than the alligator's snout.Crocodiles are also more dangerous than alligators. They are worse than alligator .A lot of animals are scared of both alligator and crocodiles.
ПЕРЕВЕДИТЕ ПОЖАЛУЙСТА

В последние десятилетия наблюдается расцвет творческих сил и разведки в популярной культуре. Из ярких Edwardian вид 1950-х годов мальчика плюшевых к hauning взглядом 1990-х годов гот, популярный, низовые культуры столкнулась и отметаются консервативным ценностям традиционной, класс ездил мир, заменив его моделью, которая отказывается соответствует социальной и творческой нравы ранее, более элитарным раз.

Сдвиг в британской творческое направление также подчеркивает основные национальные особенности неповиновения и воинственность. Этот городской бунтарство можно было наблюдать в Лондоне несколько лет назад, когда Дэвид Блейн провел 44 дней приостановлена в стеклянный ящик в Лондоне без пищи. Вместо восхищения он получил от толпы в Америке, здесь он встретился с насмешливым, озорным толпы и забросали яйцами и капустой, - традиция ракет.средневековые толпы Лондоне.

Не комфортного просмотра, но интересно, если бы рассматриваться как толпа неповиновения претенциозным член «интеллектуальной элиты.« Но где же еще делать Корни этого лежат современные британские хулиганство?

В конце концов, британские найти мало нужно хвалить и пародии "Большой и Добрый". Они предпочитают, чтобы вырыть цинично в сердце общества и искоренить лицемерие, лицензии и самодовольства с четной стороны. Именно этот диск, чтобы бросить вызов, который питает творческие умы и от которого источники инноваций и культурного роста в Великобритании.

The crocodile longer than the alligator, bigger and heavier.

The crocodile's snout is longer than the alligator's snout.

Crocodiles are also more dangerous than alligators.

They are worse than alligator .

A lot of animals are scared of both alligator and crocodiles.

Крокодил больше аллигатора.

Аллигатор меньше, чем крокодил.

Крокодил длиннее, чем аллигатор, больше и тяжелее.

Пасть крокодила длиннее, чем пасть аллигатора.

Крокодилы также более опасны, чем аллигаторы.

Они хуже аллигаторов.

Многие животные боятся и аллигаторов и крокодилов.

Вот это образец (The shark is bigger than the crocodile?

Вот это образец (The shark is bigger than the crocodile.

The whale is the biggest of the three animals.

) а вот слова первые слова получаются из образца 1 - shark whale crocodile big, 2 - humming birg parrot turkey small, 3 - monkey dog horse smart, 4 - shark alligator whale dangerous , 5 - alligator ostrich giraffe heavy, 6 - fox bear lion beautiful, 7 - dog elephant parrot a good friend, 8 - crocodile shark snake a bad monster.

Помогите пожалуйста?

The animal game.

The sentences are all wrong.

Make the sentences true.

1. A mouse is larger than a cat.

1. A peacock is the most dangerous bird in the Moscow Zoo.

1. Mice are heavier than dogs.

2. Ostriches can fly.

2. Ostriches are the smallest birds.

2. The largest animal in the words is the dinosaur.

3. A shark's ears are very long.

3. A giraffe is faster than a cheetah.

3. The blue whale is the largest fish.

4. The Asian elephant is smaller than the Nile crocodile.

4. Alligators are more dangerous than crocodiles.

4. All pigs are pink.

Предложения все неправильные нужно сделать истинными :a mouse is larger than a cata peacock is the most dangerous bird in the moscow zoomice are heavier than dogsostriches can't fly?

Предложения все неправильные нужно сделать истинными :

a mouse is larger than a cat

a peacock is the most dangerous bird in the moscow zoo

mice are heavier than dogs

ostriches can't fly.

Ostriches are the smallest birds

the largest animal in the world is the dinosaur

a shark's ears are very long

a giraffe is faster than a cheetah

the blue whale is the largest fish

the asian elephant is smaller than the nile crocodile

alligators are more dangerous than crocodiles

all pigs are pink.

Данное сравнение надо написать наоборот?

Данное сравнение надо написать наоборот!

1. The cat is bigger than the mouse.

The cat is bigger than the mouse, but smaller than the horse.

Выбери правильный вариант?

Выбери правильный вариант.

- Lions are (clever, cleverer, the cleverest) than tigers.

- The (clever, cleverer, the cleverest) domestic animals are the horses and the dogs.

- The (clever, cleverer, the cleverest) wild animals are monkeys.

- The (big, bigger, the biggest) animal is the elephant.

- The giraffes neck is (long, longer, the longest) than the tigers.

Вот это образец (The shark is bigger than the crocodile?

Вот это образец (The shark is bigger than the crocodile.

The whale is the biggest of the three animals.

Помогите вставить слова в скобках в тексте в правильной форме плиз?

Помогите вставить слова в скобках в тексте в правильной форме плиз.

A crocodile is(large) than an alligator.

The alligator is(small) than the crocodile.

The crocodile is (long) than the alligator, (big) and (heavy).

The crocodiles snout is (long) than the alligators snout.

Crocodiles are also (dangerous) than alligators.

They are (bad) than alligators.

A lot of animals are scared of both alligatirs and crocodiles.

Many children think that a crocodile looks like an alligator, but they are different?

Many children think that a crocodile looks like an alligator, but they are different.

The alligator is (1) _______ (small) than tne crocodile.

The cuocodile is (2) _______ (long) than tnt alligator, (3) ________ (big) and (4) __________ (heavy).

The crocodile's snout is (5) __________ (long) than tne alligator's snout.

Crocodiles are also (6) _________(dangerous) than alligators.

They are (7) ________ (bad) than alligators .

A lot of animals are scared of both alligators and crocodiles.

Как переводится текст Acrocadiel is Larger (larger) than an alligator?

Как переводится текст Acrocadiel is Larger (larger) than an alligator.

The alligator is.

Перевидите текст?

The hippopotamus is bigger than the monkey.

The hippopotamus is smaller than the monkey.

The hippopotamus is largger than the spider.

The spider is larger than the hippopotamus.

The elefant is the largest animal.

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What eat my relative? What like my relative? How old is my relative? И т . Д Вообщем создаешь примерно такие вопросы. P. S relative - родственник.

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1. This is not my bike. 2. My dog doesn't want its dinner. 3. My brother is not live in Moscow. 4. My father has not a new car. 5. We are not from Russia.

Crocodiles and alligators are the closest animals we have to dinosaurs. They can be traced back to over 70 million years ago. Since then, these ‘living fossils’ have changed very little in appearance or behavior.

Alligators and crocodiles are similar to each other in size, behavior, and appearance. It can sometimes be quite difficult to tell them apart. This is especially true in the southern United States where both species live.

If a crocodilian has you confused, then fear not! There are many subtle but significant differences between alligators vs crocodiles.

This guide will teach you how to spot the difference between alligators and crocodiles. We also share some fun trivia on which species is bigger, faster and stronger.

Table of Contents

Differences Between Alligators And Crocodiles

Alligator (top) and Crocodile (bottom)

When trying to compare an alligator vs crocodile, your location is the first thing you should think about.

If you are in the United States, you will not see a crocodile unless you are at the southern tip of Florida. Any other type of crocodilian in any other state is certainly an alligator. American gators can be found anywhere from east Texas to North Carolina.

You can also take a look at the environment. Crocodiles are able to swim in open streams due to their ability to regulate salt. Most alligators tend to stay closer to the shore, remaining in swamp lands and lakes.

Next you will want to take a good look at their body color. If it is light green, brown, or light grey, you have probably found a Crocodile. In the United States most crocodiles are almost always slate grey. If it has dark green or black scales, you have likely got a gator. The American alligator’s darker colors allow it to blend in better with the mud.

Now you should consider the size.

Crocodiles are on average three feet longer than alligators. In the United States, this is no exception. The American croc can reach a length of about 17 feet, while the maximum length for an American alligator is 13 to 14 feet.

Finally, you should try and look at the shape of the snout and the jaw. If you can get a good look, this is the easiest way to tell the two apart. Of course, you do not want to get too close to one! But even from a distance, the shape of the snout will tell you if you have got a gator or a croc.

Crocodiles always have a triangular snout in the shape of the letter V. This shape is the same no matter the species. Alligators have a rounded snout in the shape of a U. It is much wider and broader than a crocodile’s

In the United States, both alligators and crocodiles tend to be shy and timid. This is similar to most reptile and lizard species. However, you should always keep a safe distance from them.

1. Alligators Are Dark Green Or Black

American Alligator

Color is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators.

Most crocodiles come in shades of green, grey, brown, or black. They usually have a mottled or speckled pattern which helps them to blend in with algae and substrate.

American crocodiles are normally slate grey and have a white to yellow underside. This dark and light coloration is called countershading. It allows them to blend into the water while on the hunt.

Other species of crocodiles come in different shades, depending on the colors of their environments.

For example, the saltwater crocodile is the best example of the typical ‘green crocodile.’ Its dark green scales help it blend in with algae. The Nile crocodile comes in deep green and brown speckles that match the substrate of the Nile River.

In contrast, Alligators usually come in dark green to black.

The American alligator is a shiny dark green that can look almost black in certain lights. It is much darker color than a crocodile.

Just like a crocodile, their colors will vary based upon their habitat.

Crocodiles tend to live in open water areas with much more algae. Because of this they are usually going to come in greener shades to match. Alligators tend to stay near the banks of rivers and lakes. Their colors are designed to blend in with the mud and the substrate.

2. Crocodiles Are Bigger Than Alligators

Nile crocodile

Most crocodiles are larger than alligators. The saltwater crocodile is the largest and can reach lengths of up to 23 feet.

The American crocodile reaches a maximum length of 20 feet, but is usually between 15 and 17 feet. It weighs anywhere from 800 to just over 1000 pounds.

American alligators are smaller than crocodiles.

Male alligators reach an average length of between 12 and 13 feet and can weigh up to 1000 pounds. Females are between 8 and 10 feet and weigh in at 500 to 700 pounds.

An American croc is larger than an alligator by about 4 to 6 feet on average. However, it can be difficult to eyeball the size of an animal when seen from a distance. For this reason size is one of the hardest ways to identify each species.

3. Crocodiles Have V-Shaped Snouts

When you first see a crocodilian, the snout should be the first thing you look at if you want to know what it is. Snout and jaw shape are the easiest way to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles.

Alligators have large, broad snouts that are shaped like the letter U.

Every crocodile species have pointed, V-shaped snouts.

A crocodile’s snout may be very wide or very narrow, but it will always have the same pointed shape. Their jaws also close from the top-down, rather than from the bottom-up.

This overbite and underbite means a croc’s jaw exposes both its top and bottom teeth, in a sort of ‘jagged’ formation. If you look closely, you will see five of its bottom teeth.

Unlike a crocodile, the alligator’s jaw closes downwards and you can only see their top teeth. Notches in their bottom jaw hide the bottom teeth when their mouth is shut.

Of course, you do not want to get close enough to a croc or a gator to be able to see their teeth!

4. Crocs Have A More Powerful Bite!

Crocodiles’ teeth are sharp and pointed because they are designed for tearing. Crocs have an incredible bite strength of about 3700 psi.

The alligator’s jaw is meant for crushing prey, instead of tearing. This is why their teeth are cone shaped rather than pointed. Their bite strength is about 2500 psi.

5. Alligators Have Tiny Black Spots

Crocodiles and alligators both have dome pressure receptors on their skin. These receptors allow them to regulate water pressure when swimming and detect ripples in the water.

Alligator’s dome pressure receptors are visible as tiny black spots near their jaw.

The dome pressure receptors of a crocodile are translucent and scattered all over their body. This is one of the reasons they swim better in open water when compared to gators.

Crocodiles also have salt glands on their tongues, which allow them to osmoregulate in high salinity areas. Alligators do not have any salt glands.

6. Gators Can Live In Colder States

Most species of crocodile live in marshes and wetlands alongside rivers and lakes. Sometimes they may venture out into fast-moving streams, rivers and channels because they are able to live in salty waters.

Alligators normally live closer to the shore. Their natural habitat is mostly swamp lands, lakes and low flow areas of rivers. They are not able to live in saline waters.

Temperature is the reason why the American alligator lives in more states than a crocodile.

Both species are cold blooded, but crocodiles need a higher temperature to survive. You can find them in temperature ranges from 85 to 93°F. Alligators can survive in temperatures as low as 79°F before becoming dormant.

Alligators are more resistant to lower temperatures; they are able to live in colder areas.

The American alligator’s northernmost range reaches North Carolina vs. the American crocodile’s northernmost range of the southern tip of Florida.

If you are in the United States and not in south Florida, it is probably an alligator.

7. Crocodiles Are Slightly Older Than Alligators

Crocodiles can be traced back from around 70 million years ago to the late Cretaceous period. But, their ancestry goes back even farther than that. The animals that would later become crocodiles can be traced back to the Jurassic period. These aquatic crocodiles are known as ‘Thalattosuchia’ and lived over 200 million years ago.

The first land Crocodile is considered to be the Sarcosuchus. It appeared in fossil records about 110 million years ago and was over 40 feet long.

Alligators as we know them today can also be traced back to the late Cretaceous period, but their ancestors are not as old as Crocodile’s ancestors. Early alligators include Deinosuchus and Mourasuchus. These species are both from the late Cretaceous period and not the Jurassic period.

If we go by fossil records, Crocodiles are slightly older than alligators.

8. There Are Fewer Alligator Species

Both crocodiles and alligators both belong to the order Crocodilia. This order also includes caimans and gharials. Alligators and crocodiles belong to the same order, but they do not belong to the same family.

Crocodiles belong to the family Crocodylidae, which includes 13 different species. These species can be found in the United States, Australia, India, Africa and Southeast Asia. Interestingly the red eyed crocodile is a species of skink and not croc.

Alligators belong to the family Alligatoridae. This family includes two species of alligators and five species of caimans.

American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis)
American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

9. Crocodiles Are More Aggressive

Crocodiles should never be approached or disturbed.

Larger crocodiles such as the Nile and Saltie are known for their attacks on humans. Crocs are opportunistic predators that will go after anything that moves. A hungry one will not hesitate to go after a human that gets too close.

There are several hundred reported crocodile attacks on humans every year. This is more than the number of annual shark attacks. Most of these attacks happen in Australia where the Saltie lives, but the Nile crocodile is very dangerous too.

American crocs are shy compared to other species. They are more likely to shy away from humans unless they are provoked.

Alligators make up less than six percent of all reported crocodilian attacks. An alligator is often more afraid of you than you are of it. They will only attack when disturbed or when it is protecting its eggs or young.

Alligators and Crocodiles Frequently Asked Questions

Crocodile vs Alligator Fight

One of the most common questions is who would win in a fight between an alligator and a crocodile? In a hypothetical fight, the crocodile would be the most likely winner. It has a bite strength over 3500 psi and is likely to attack, even when unprovoked.

In comparison, the American alligator’s bite strength is only about 2,900 psi and they are also smaller in both size and weight.

Can Alligators Live with Crocodiles?

The southernmost tip of Florida is the only place in the United States where you can see crocodiles and alligators together. But, even in South Miami, they do not live in the same habitat.

Alligators live in the swamps and marshes along the banks of lakes and rivers.

Crocodiles venture out into open water, fast-moving streams, rivers and channels where the river meets the sea.

Is An Alligator Faster Than A Crocodile?

Alligators and crocodiles may look lazy while they are basking in the sun, but both can easily outrun a human. Speed is one area where gators have an advantage. Alligators are much faster.

On land, an alligator can hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour! Crocodiles can only reach about 20 miles per hour over a very short distance.

In the water, an alligator’s speed is slowed to about 25 miles per hour. A croc’s speed is also slowed to about 18 miles per hour.

Summary

You should now be able to tell the difference between an alligator vs crocodile. The main thing to remember is that alligators and crocodiles are different species. They can be identified by their jaw shape, size and color.

Alligators are dark green or black, have u-shaped snouts, tiny black spots and are smaller than crocs.

Crocodiles are bigger, have v-shaped snouts and are more aggressive. They also have visible bottom teeth and are light green, brown or light grey.

Both gators and crocs in the United States are more afraid of you than you are of them.

In the state of Florida, alligators and crocodiles are just another part of the native wildlife. The best thing you can do is to show them respect and always keep a safe distance.

Johnathan leads the Everything Reptiles’ editorial team as our Editor in Chief. He has been a reptile hobbyist since childhood and after years in herpetoculture he has cared for many Geckos and Frogs.

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