what is the difference between an alligator and a cocodrile?

Answer 1

Again.... *wonders why people can't just read the answers to the same question that's been asked a billion times*


We're gonna start with some basic facts and then differences... right after I get a cup of coffee.....

There are only two species of alligator in the world, the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis)

There are about 21 species of crocodile (including caimans and gavials)

Keep in mind the following differences are generalizations and the fact that all generalizations are false should be taken into consideration, some species of crocodile may not fit all these characterizations....

Start with coloration, then we'll go to the nose and work our way all the way back to the tail....

Alligators tend to be a black or charcoal colored animal with yellowish banding, while crocodiles range anywhere from brown to golden khaki. (note, I have seen "high yellow" alligators, much more yellow and even white than black.)

The general shape of an alligator's snout is broad and rounded, crocodiles have a more narrow, pointed snout. On the top side of the very end of that snout, are the nostrils.... look closely... alligators have two soft, raised nasal discs that it's nostrils are set in... the crocodile has a single nasal disc and it's nostrils are closer together.

Teeth.... alligators appear to have a bit of an overbite... most of the teeth that show when it's mouth is open are upper teeth pointing down, and those teeth are conical, kinda like spikes... crocodiles teeth mesh a little more, teeth from both jaws stick out for you to see with their mouths closed, most noticable is the very prominent fourth lower tooth, in some species it sticks up -above- the top jaw, these teeth are more dagger-shaped.

When the animal opens it's mouth, there are differences there as well. (I hope you -never- have to identify alligator/crocodile from the color of the inside of it's mouth.) Alligators have more of an almond coloration to the lining of their mouth, and crocodiles have a somewhat orangish color.

The top of the heads.... alligators have a somewhat domed skull in comparison to a crocodile, alligators have golden eyes, crocodiles have green eyes.

Down to the back.... the bumps, or scutes or osteoderms on alligator and crocodile backs can also give a clue as to what you are looking at. Alligator's scutes are in neat rows and are confined to their back. Crocodiles have more randomly placed scutes that in most cases spill over onto their sides, or in some cases even into the belly skin (this is why you see more alligator leather than crocodile, but there are some crocs with a so-called 'classic' skin)

A croc's back feet have more webbing than an alligator's, and comparing the fins on their tails..... alligators are '55 chevys and crocs are '57's.

Answer 2

They are in different taxonomic families, so there are several differences... The most commonly known one is that crocs have pointed snouts/jaws (V shaped) while gators' are more rounded (U shaped). The teeth in the lower jaw are exposed in crocs but sheathed in gators. Crocs also have a salt gland that enables them to tolerate more marine habitats. There are SEVERAL (I think 14??) species of crocodile found all over the world, while the only species of alligator are the American and Chinese (VERY endangered). There are also crocodilians called Caiman (about 6 species), which resemble crocodiles but are more closely related to gators, and gharial which are a family of their own.

Answer 3

i think the alligator has a much narrower snout. and theres a difference in size and teeth i think too.

Answer 4

I think the difference is that the crocodile is much bigger.