Alligator vs crocodile

The only living species in the genus are the Chinese and the American Alligators. They are members of the taxonomic order Crocodilia, along with crocodiles , gharials , and caimans. Compared to the rest of the crocodilians, these reptiles have broad snouts. Crocodiles have v-shaped snouts, while both species of Alligators have u-shaped snouts.

They also have thick bodies, short limbs, and heavily armored scales.

Alligator range

The American species measures about 12 — 13 ft. The largest recorded individual measured over 19 ft. Conversely, the Chinese species reaches about 5 — 6 ft. These reptiles face incredibly volatile stigma. Learn more about how these two species behave, below.

Alligator species

Even though the two species live on opposite ends of the world, they live in very similar habitats. Both inhabit primarily freshwater habitats. However, the American species also lives in brackish water, which is a mixture of fresh and saltwater. Some of their favorite ecosystems include swamps, wetlands , marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and more.

Occasionally, they show up in swimming pools and man-made fish ponds.