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Jambo rafiki!

More often than none, I’ve seen people getting mixed up between crocodiles and alligators. While they both belong to the Crocodilia order, they are members of two quite separate taxonomic families. Besides, alligators DO NOT live in Africa!    

The following highlights the major differences between the two species.     

Family

- The alligator, on the one hand, is a member of the Alligatoridae family.     

- On the other hand, the crocodile is part of the Crocodylidae stream.     

Continent

Both species can be found on the American continent (South Florida), yet the alligator is confined to the United States and China (only a handful left in the wild though).     

The crocodile inhabits lakes and rivers of Africa, Asia, America and Australia.     

Freshwater or Seawater?

One difference worth mentioning is that alligators prefer freshwater, whilst crocodiles can tolerate seawater conditions better. They have special glands to filter out the salt.     

Notice however, that both species can survive in either habitat.     

Snout Shape

Perhaps the easiest way to differentiate the two is to look at the shape of their snouts: a “V” shaped snout for the crocodile, and a “U” shaped snout for the alligator.     

Head

Wider and shorter for the alligator.     

Alligator Close-Up!

 Thinner and longer for the crocodile.     

Perfectly-Camouflaged Croc!

Jaw Placement

• Alligator: upper jaw wider than lower part, and the teeth in the lower jaw fit into small cavities in the upper jaw.
• Crocodile: upper and lower jaws are almost identical in width, hence the teeth in the lower jaw become apparent when the mouth is closed. The enormous fourth tooth, on the lower jaw, is especially visible.