At first glance, crocodiles and alligators look pretty similar.
Both are massive, scaly reptiles with powerful jaws, and neither is something you’d want to come across unexpectedly. But despite their similarities, they belong to different families and have distinct differences in appearance, behaviour, and habitat. If you’ve ever wondered how to tell them apart, here are 10 key differences between crocodiles and alligators.
1. Their snouts have different shapes.
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is by looking at their snouts. Alligators have broad, U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have longer, V-shaped ones. That difference isn’t just about looks; it helps them adapt to their environments. Alligators’ wider snouts are great for crushing things like turtles, while crocodiles’ narrower snouts make them better suited for catching fish.
2. Crocodiles have visible teeth even when their mouths are closed.
If you see a crocodile with its mouth shut, you’ll still notice some of its teeth sticking out, particularly the fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw. In alligators, the upper jaw overlaps the lower one, so their teeth stay hidden. This makes it easy to tell which is which — if you see a reptile with a toothy grin, it’s a crocodile. If the teeth are neatly tucked away, it’s an alligator.
3. They live in different parts of the world.
Alligators are mainly found in the United States and China. In the U.S., they’re most commonly spotted in the southeastern states, especially in Florida and Louisiana. Crocodiles, on the other hand, are more widely spread across the world. They can be found in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas. The only place where both species naturally coexist is southern Florida.
4. Crocodiles prefer saltwater; alligators prefer freshwater.
Another key difference is where they live. Crocodiles are often found in saltwater environments like coastal estuaries, mangrove swamps, and even the open ocean. They have special glands that help them get rid of excess salt, allowing them to survive in these habitats.
Alligators, on the other hand, are mostly found in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and swamps. While they can tolerate some saltwater for short periods, they don’t have the same salt-excreting ability as crocodiles.
5. Crocodiles tend to be more aggressive.
Neither species is exactly friendly, but crocodiles are known to be more aggressive than alligators. They’re more likely to attack unprovoked and have been involved in more recorded human attacks. Alligators, while still dangerous, are generally more shy and will often avoid humans if left alone. That said, it’s always best to keep a safe distance from both.
6. Their skin textures are different.
Both crocodiles and alligators have thick, scaly skin, but there’s a slight difference in texture. Crocodiles tend to have rougher, more visible scales with pronounced ridges along their backs. Alligators have smoother skin, especially around their snouts. If you ever get close enough to notice (hopefully not in the wild), this is another way to tell them apart.
7. Crocodiles are generally larger.
While both species can grow to massive sizes, crocodiles tend to be larger overall. Some species, like the saltwater crocodile, can reach up to 23 feet (7.01 metres) in length and weigh over a ton. Alligators, on the other hand, usually max out around 14 feet (4.27 metres). There are exceptions, of course, but if you come across a truly enormous reptile, chances are it’s a crocodile.
8. Their colouration is different.
Crocodiles usually have lighter, olive-green or brownish skin, while alligators are darker, often appearing black or dark grey. That difference helps them blend into their environments. Crocodiles tend to live in clearer, open waters, while alligators lurk in murky swamps and rivers, where their darker colour provides better camouflage.
9. They have different jaw strengths.
Both species have incredibly strong bites, but crocodiles take the lead. Their bite force can reach over 3,700 pounds (1,678 kg) per square inch (psi), making them one of the strongest biters in the animal kingdom. Alligators have a slightly weaker bite, but at around 2,500 psi, it’s still strong enough to crush bones with ease. Either way, you wouldn’t want to find yourself on the receiving end of a bite from either one.
10. Crocodiles have longer lifespans.
While both can live for decades, crocodiles tend to live longer than alligators. Some crocodiles have been known to live over 70 years, while most alligators live around 35 to 50 years in the wild. Their long lifespans, combined with their resilience, make crocodiles some of the most ancient-looking creatures still roaming the earth today.
