10 key differences between crocodiles and alligators

Wondering, “what are the differences between crocodiles and alligators?” These two species might appear alike at first glance but are dissimilar in several ways.

More often than not, people tend to get mixed up between the crocodile vs alligator. It can be confusing as they share similarities. However, there are differences in their physical appearance and behaviors.

While they both belong to the Crocodilia order, they are members of two separate taxonomic families. Besides, alligators do not live in Africa. The only one of the two you will find in Africa is the Nile crocodile.

If you’re not sure whether you’re looking at a gator or a croc, hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to spot the differences.

Are There Alligators in Africa?

Before we jump into the fascinating facts about these two species, let’s take a look at a gripping question on many people’s minds.

Are alligators in Africa? No, they do not live on the continent. Alligators are native to the United States and China.

So if you’re planning a safari in Africa, unfortunately, you won’t encounter a gator. That being said, there are plenty of remarkable African animals to admire.

Are There Crocodiles in Africa?

Do crocodiles live in Africa? Yes, the Nile crocodile is the continent’s largest and most widely distributed crocodilian.

You can find them in freshwater habitats in many African countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Tanzania, and Botswana.

For those wondering, “are there alligators in Nigeria”, you won’t find gators in West Africa. Nonetheless, the confusion is understandable, as there are vast numbers of crocodiles in the country.

Nigeria is home to West African crocodiles and Nile crocodiles.

Crocodile vs Alligator – Everything You Need to Know

In Africa, we’ve encountered crocodiles slumbering in lakes, feeding in rivers, sunbathing on banks, and grabbing wildebeest by the legs. But we’ve never seen an alligator because they don’t live in Africa.

If you are traveling in Africa and see a big scary reptile in the water, it’s a crocodile. But how else do you tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators?

The following highlights the major differences, teaching you all about crocodiles vs alligators.

Tip: If you’re curious about animal comparison, check out this cheetah vs leopard guide as well.

Crocodiles vs Alligators – An Overview

What’s the difference between alligator and crocodile appearance?

You can barely see an alligator’s lower teeth when its mouth is closed; it fits snugly into pits in the upper jaw. In contrast, a crocodile’s lower teeth are always visible.

Alligators have broad snouts, while crocodiles have thinner snouts.

Alligators tend to be grayish-black in color, whereas crocodiles have an olive-green or brown appearance.

Where do alligators live in the world? You can only find alligators in the southeastern United States, in Tamaulipas (Mexico), and in some parts of China.

Crocodiles live all over the world. Additionally, crocodiles are the only one of the two you will spot in Africa.

In the wild, alligators tend to run away. While not exactly wallflowers, they certainly prefer their own company.

Some species of crocodiles, on the other hand, have legendary tempers. The saltwater crocodile and the Nile crocodile have been known to eat people.

Alligators have an average lifespan of around 30-50 years, whereas crocodiles can live up to 70 years in the wild. For more information, have a look at this guide on the crocodile lifespan.

Alligator vs Crocodile: Characteristics & Differences

While both alligator and crocodile eyes have vertical, slit-shaped pupils, there are several physical features and other factors that differ.

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between crocodiles and alligators.

1. Croc vs alligator: family

The order Crocodilia includes three families: Crocodylidae, Alligatoridae, and Gavialidae.

The alligator is a member of the Alligatoridae family.

If you’re comparing the caiman vs alligator, one of the key similarities is that they are both part of this family along with their extinct relatives. 

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

The Crocodylidae family comprises true crocodiles. They are large semi-aquatic reptiles that inhabit rivers, lakes, and swamps.

2. Crocodile vs alligator: location

By now, you would know that you won’t encounter alligators in South Africa. So, where do these fascinating creatures live? And would you come across their close cousins, the crocs, in the same geographical location?

You can find both species on the American continent (South Florida). However, the alligator is confined to the United States, Mexico, and China (only a handful are in the wild in China, though).

Where do crocodiles live? The crocodile inhabits enchanting lakes and rivers in Africa, Asia, America, and Australia. Most famously in Africa, crocodiles inhabit the Mara River, waiting for blue wildebeest to cross.

3. Difference between alligator and crocodile: water

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, nevertheless, that both species can survive in either habitat. Although crocs and gators can move around on land, they feel more at home in the water.

4. Crocodile vs alligator snout shape

When it comes to the croc vs alligator snout, looking at the shape is the easiest way to differentiate the two. Crocodiles have “V” shaped muzzles, while alligators boast “U” shaped ones.

5. Alligator vs crocodile: head

What’s the difference between an alligator’s and a crocodile’s head shape? An alligator’s head is wide and short.

In contrast, a crocodile’s head is relatively thinner and longer.

6. Difference between crocodiles and alligators: jaw placement

Both species can slam their jaws shut with impressive force. While gators are solid contenders, the crocs take the title of having the more powerful bite.

Crocodiles have some of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom.

These apex predators stealthily stalk their prey from the water before capturing it in their jaws with a spinning, sideways movement. Once a crocodile has a hold of its prey, there’s no easy way to get out!

Fun fact: Crocodiles are short-sighted and far-sighted. This allows them to see their prey make the tiniest movements from a distance. If you want to learn more, check out this interesting article on crocodile eyes.

Here are a few distinct features of the crocodile and alligator jaws:

• Alligator: upper jaw wider than the 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 closes. The enormous fourth tooth on the lower jaw is especially visible.

7. Difference between crocodile and alligator body color

Crocodiles have an olive green or brown body coloration. They have thick and rigid, beautifully patterned skin.

Alligators are darker in color: blackish or gray is usually the norm.

Remember that crocodiles’ and alligators’ color varies based on their environments.

8. Crocodile vs alligator size

Which is bigger, alligators or crocodiles?

Generally speaking, crocodiles are larger than alligators, yet sizes will vary from one species to another. Dwarf crocodiles, for instance, barely reach 1 m (3.3 feet).

Crocodiles have an average length of about 4-5 m, yet the largest specimens (e.g. saltwater monsters from Australia) can reach sizes in excess of 7 m (23 feet). These impressive beasts can weigh well over 1200 kg.

Alligators reach lengths of 4 m on average (13 feet) and weigh up to 360 kg. The largest alligator ever recorded was from Florida and measured 5.3 m (17 feet 5 inches).

As crocodiles are sexually dimorphic, adult males are larger than females. Similarly, a male adult alligator is bigger than a female gator.

9. Alligators vs crocodiles: behavior

Crocodiles are primarily nocturnal animals.

Generally, they spend their days inactive with their head above the water or soaking up the sunshine on land. When the sun goes down, these predators take advantage of their excellent night vision, and hunting begins.

Similarly, alligators are nocturnal creatures and predominantly hunt at night. So be extra cautious from dusk to dawn to lessen your chances of running into them.

Are crocodiles more aggressive than alligators? Yes, crocodiles have a tendency to be way more aggressive than their cousins, the alligators.

They won’t hesitate to attack when feeling threatened, while alligators are more docile and usually flee when alarmed.

Crocodiles are opportunistic predators and highly territorial animals. You should not disturb or approach them in the wild, as they don’t need much provocation to attack.

So be sure to show these extraordinary animals respect, and keep a safe distance.

On average, there are around 1000 fatal crocodile attacks each year. Many of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

On the other hand, alligators generally strike when they feel threatened or disturbed. If a protective female alligator believes that her eggs or young are in danger, her instinct kicks in, and she defends her offspring.

10. Difference between croc and alligator: nesting

For both species, the nesting site is extremely important. If the eggs are not laid in ideal conditions, they will simply not hatch!

Here again, the difference is rather striking.

Crocodiles prefer sandy banks or mud to make their nests, whereas alligators search for areas covered in vegetation.

The number of eggs per laying varies amongst the different crocodile species. On average, a female croc lays a clutch of roughly 30 to 60 eggs, with an incubation period of around 80 to 90 days.

Alligators generally lay an average of 32 to 46 eggs, and incubation lasts about 63 to 68 days.

Crocs and gators are formidable animals in the wild. However, they are both vulnerable when young, particularly during the egg or hatchling stage. A few external threats include eagles, egrets, snakes, lizards, wild boars, and humans.

Many of their predators soon become prey when they are mature. Alligators reach sexual maturity at about 10 to 12 years, while baby crocodiles mature at the age of 4 to 15. 

Fun fact: At times, crocs retreat towards the security of the water when faced with a potential predator. With their peculiar reptile limbs, crocodiles don’t come across as the fastest runners, but they can outrun many humans.

To find out more, have a look at this article on how fast crocodiles run.

Spot the Difference Between an Alligator and Crocodile on a Safari

When comparing the crocodile vs alligator, it’s clear that these are two different species with unique physical features and behaviors.

Hopefully, you can identify them by their distinct snout shape, body color, head shape, and size.

For those hoping for a different answer to the “do alligators live in Africa” question, sadly, you won’t come across them on an African safari. Nevertheless, there is an array of fascinating animals and things to discover in the wild.

Africa Freak is dedicated to Africa and its wildlife. Check out the site to learn all about different African animals, including key traits, differences, and how to identify them.

Consider: 

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Enjoy, and look out for those crocodiles!