There are many differences between alligators and crocodiles, but most of them are quite hard to see. Here are a few ways you can tell.

The shape of the head

Alligators have broader more rounded, U-shaped snouts while crocodiles have longer, narrower, more pointed, V-shaped snouts.

Teeth

Both the top and the bottom set of teeth are visible when a crocodiles mouth is shut. When the alligators mouth is shut, only the top set of teeth are visible. This is also a good reminder of each animals temperament. The crocodile is extremely aggressive and won’t hesitate to bite; but the alligator is calmer and less aggressive

Habitat

Crocodiles have special glands in their tongues that can get rod of excess salt, so they tend to live in the saltwater. Alligators also have these, but they don’t work as well, so they prefer to live in freshwater.

But with 23 species of crocodillians (alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharial combined) these general rules dont always apply – there are exceptions – and there are also lots and lost of similarities!

Senses

All crocodillians have powerful senses. They have especially great hearing! But unlike human ears, crocodillians have slits on their heads that lead to a well-developed inner ear.

Did You Know?

A croc can even hear their young calling from inside their eggshells.
The temperature at which crocodillian eggs are kept determine wheather the hatchling is a boy or a girl. Low and high temperatures produce females whereas temeperatures of around 30-34 degrees Celcius produce males.

Alligator

Notice that only the top row of teeth are showing as already stated in “Teeth”

Crocodile

Notice that both sets of teeth are visible and the aggressive stance it is in.

Facts

American Alligators can grow up to 5metres long and weigh up to 300kg. They eat fish, frogs, birds, small land mammals and even other reptiles. Alligators live in the South-Eastern states of U.S.

Saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 8metres long and weigh up to 1tonne (1000kg). They eat fish, frogs, reptiles, birdes, other reptiles and has been known to take a buffalo. Crocodiles live in the tropical north of Australia in rivers and at sea.