Difference between Crocodiles and Alligators Thomson Safaris

Gharials and crocodiles differ from alligators in that they have salt glands on their tongue in the form of modified salivary glands. Although alligators do have the same structures, they have become obsolete and can no longer secrete salt. Last Updated: Jul 26, 2023 Crocodiles, alligators, and gharials are giant aquatic reptiles that exist in regions throughout the world. Crocodiles can be found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America, while alligators in North America and Asia. Gharials can only be found in India and neighboring countries.

What Is The Difference Between Crocodiles, Alligators, And Gharials?

The main differences between crocodilians is that crocodiles can grow to larger sizes than alligators, caimans, and gharials. In addition, they have anatomy diffences such as the shape of their snouts. Crocodilians are carnivores and, depending on their age and size, have a varied diet from insects to large mammals. In alligators it's broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it's narrow and V-shaped. Next are the teeth. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Another difference is color. Gray or black? Size: Crocodiles can grow to more than 20 feet long; alligators usually max out at around 14 feet long. Snout shape: Alligators have a broad and U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a narrow and. Alligators have a U-spaced rounded snout that is wide and short, whereas crocodiles have a longer pointed, V-shaped snout. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as the mugger crocodile.

Alligator vs Crocodile Find out the many differences and similarities

Color: In terms of color, alligators are usually darker, with a blackish-grey hue, while crocodiles are generally lighter, often displaying an olive or tan coloration. Habitat: Alligators primarily inhabit freshwater environments like swamps, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, in both the southeastern U.S. and eastern China. Alligators are only found in parts of the US and China, whereas crocodiles can be found across the world. Scroll down for more information about where you'll find each. Habitat. Crocodiles prefer water that is more saline or salty. Alligators prefer a freshwater habitat. Toothy grin. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a crocodilian in the family Gavialidae and among the longest of all living crocodilians. Mature females are 2.6 to 4.5 m (8 ft 6 in to 14 ft 9 in) long, and males 3 to 6 m (9 ft 10 in to 19 ft 8 in). Adult males have a distinct boss at the end of the snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as a ghara. The order Crocodylia, also known as the crocodilians, includes 23 species of the most feared and most fascinating animals on the planet. They include 14 species of crocodiles and false gharials in the family Crocodylidae; eight species of alligators and caimans in the family Alligatoridae; and one species of gharial (GUR-ee-ul) in the family.

Difference Between Alligator and Crocodile

Key Takeaways: Here are some key differences between alligators and crocodiles: Alligators and crocodiles are often confused with each other due to their similar appearances. However, there are several distinct differences that set them apart. Alligators have a broad, rounded snout, while crocodiles have a narrow, pointed snout. 6. Size. While both alligators and crocodiles have the ability to grow to be huge, generally speaking, adult crocodiles are larger than alligators by several feet. Adult American alligators grow to be 8.5 - 12 feet, with males growing larger than females. American crocodiles grow to lengths of 9 - 15 feet. Dec 27, 2022, 11:37 IST What Is The Difference Between Crocodiles, Alligators, And Gharials? Crocodiles, alligators, and gharials, the three giant aquatic reptiles have been a source of. One of the most commonly asked questions is - "What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?" Firstly, it is worth noting that the term "crocodilians" refers to all members of the Family Crocodylidae ("true" crocodiles), Family Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans) and Family Gavialidae (gharial, Tomistoma).

Alligator vs Crocodile All 9 Differences Explained

The false gharial and saltwater crocodile are just two of the 101 reptile and amphibian species recorded in the RER.The false gharial (known locally as the sepit crocodile) is also one of 55 globally threatened species identified so far in the RER.Learn more about the unique ecosystem of the area and the efforts being made to preserve its biodiversity by reading our field stories. 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