It is applicable to both farmed and captive animals. Difference between alligator, crocodile, and caiman skins for. As you probably know, i love crocodiles and caimans. Crocodile porosus is sourced from asia or australia.
How to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. The size of the caiman varies depending on its species from 2. Many differences between the two reptiles center on their heads and. The book begins by playing on our fear of alligators and crocodiles, describing one of these giant reptiles gliding through the water, slowly appearing above the surface. What is the difference between crocodiles, alligators and. On the other hand, ive seen very large caiman exhibits populated with species of varanid lizards. Now that you know the difference between crocodile and the others, let us focus on the difference between caiman and alligator. Alligators are freshwater animals, while crocodiles live in saltwater.
He was formerly a writer and producer of the awardwinning natural history television series survival, and is the author of many books on wildlife, ecology, and the environment for both children and adults. For alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower one, so when they close their mouths, all their teeth are hidden. When caimans close their mouth, only the teeth in the upper jaw are visible because caimans have an overbite, like us. There are total 28 numbers of species are existing today of the crocodiles. Pringle offers facts about crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials similarities and differences in size. The top ten largest crocodiles and alligators in the world duration.
The leather products are made from both of the skins of alligator and crocodile which includes, shoes, bags, purses, wallets, and coats. What in the world is a caiman, and how does it relate to an alligator or crocodile. Alligators and caimans belong to the same family, alligatoridae, whereas crocodiles belong to a different family, crocodylidae. Press reports have variously referred to al as an alligator, a crocodile, and a caiman. The easiest way to distinguish the three species apart is by observing their snout, however, i dont recommend getting too close. Jul 01, 2009 whats the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.
The majority of the book describes similarities between alligators. The biggest difference between caiman and alligator or crocodile leather is that the caiman leather is not near as durable. Several websites are currently selling products made from lower quality caiman leather and passing this cheaper inferior product off to you, the consumer, as classic alligator alligator mississippiensis or crocodile. Crocodilian captive care faq caiman, alligator, crocodile. Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world while alligators are only found in the us and china. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. A caiman fuscus crocodile have small bony plates if you bend the leather across these plates you will see that the leather creases between the scales.
Alligators and crocodiles are both relics of the dinosaur age, facing an uncertain future as humans encroach on their territory. The 8 main differences between alligators and crocodiles owlcation. There are 14 species of true crocodiles, in three genera. In terms of physical differences the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow, vshaped snout, while the alligator s snout is wider and ushaped. Both crocodiles and alligators have scaly skin and it is often similar in color. Crocodiles are often mistaken for alligators and caimans. It is hard for an untrained eye to tell the difference between alligator and crocodile. Among extant crocodylians, all data sets indicate a sistergroup relationship between crocodylus and osteolaemus, and a sistergroup relationship between alligator and the caimans. Jun 29, 2017 despite being entirely different animals sharing the order crocodilia, but not a family, people often wonder about the difference between crocodiles and alligators. Their skin, in fact is softer and more flexible than genuine caiman leather. Alligator honey brown special tanning watch band on a panerai radiomir watch. Also, the teeth of a croc are visible even when the mouth is closed.
Alligators, crocodiles and caimans symbolize danger, these predators are sneaky and ready to attack. The easiest way of telling apart crocodiles from alligators, however, is to look at their noses. So, the first difference is that alligators and crocodiles are actually in different families. Firstly the crocodile is a lot big than the alligator, the crocodile has a very long, narrow v shaped snout whilst the alligators snout is wider and a u shape. Yes there is a lot of differences between alligators and crocodiles. Can you tell the difference between the two creatures.
Alligators and crocodiles are commonly confused with one another, and the words are often used interchangeably. Crocodiles and alligators might be similar in that they both have big mouths with sharp teeth, thick scales, and lots of strength, but its important to know the major differences between these two animals. The black caiman is one of the largest crocodilian species. Alligators have shorter, wider heads that are more ushaped than crocodiles. Caiman and alligator belong to the genus alligator and species alligator mississippiensis. They first appeared 95 million years ago in the late cretaceous period cenomanian stage and are the closest living relatives of birds, as the two groups are the only known survivors of the archosauria. Whats the difference between a crocodile, alligator and a. Those of alligators are wider and shorter, and crocodiles top. Also, alligator hides are expensive due to the softness, texture, firmness, and uniformity in scale patterning. They are quite similar but comes from different families and habitats.
Caimans tend to be more agile and crocodile like in their movements, and have longer, sharper teeth than alligators. What is the difference between alligator, crocodile, and. One day, a girl discovers an alligator on her head and, although she is afraid her. While they might look the same from afar, experienced biologists give us a few clues by which we can tell them apart. In this video, i will explain 5 differences between spectacled caimans and american crocodiles of. The differences between a crocodile, a caiman, and an. There are many differences between crocodile and alligator. Whats the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. May 08, 2003 this book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. Crocodiles and alligators are both reptiles from the same order of animals, named crocodylia. All crocodilians species species list gilles delhaye. Alligator hides are the most expensive for bootmaking because there are fewer alligators in the world. Alligators and crocodiles are not alone in the crocodilian family.
Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, youd see a mouth full of serrated. Whats the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Crocodile, alligator, and caiman leather which is better. Read on to find out what some of these differences are while enjoying all. If you would compare a caiman to an alligator in a zoo or on a documentary, you would notice the agility and smoother and faster movements, similar to a crocodile. In alligators its broad and ushaped, while in crocodiles its narrow and vshaped. Because of this, killing alligators, and trading in products made from alligator meat or skin, are all regulated by the fish and wildlife service. The caiman also has longer and sharper teeth than the alligator. Apr 08, 2020 how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.
A caiman is an alligatorid crocodilian belonging to the subfamily caimaninae, one of two. Whats the difference between a caiman, an alligator and a. Let us know if there are any more differences you spotted yourself. Crocodiles are from the crocodylidae family, while alligators and caiman are from the alligatoridae family. Aug 29, 2016 alligators and crocodiles are not alone in the crocodilian family. They include 14 species of crocodiles and false gharials in the family crocodylidae.
You have to be alert to people close to you who may be ready to attack or deceive you. Moving our attention on genuine exotic leathers and, in particular looking at the main differences between crocodile, alligator and caiman leathers, we can affirm that crocodile and alligator skin have a higher price and a superior quality to caiman leather. One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. Unfortunately, confusion sets in when it is time to identify and differentiate an alligator, from a caiman, a crocodile or a gavial. Hermes crocodile vs alligator whats the difference. What is the difference between a crocodile and a caiman. The most obvious way to tell a crocodile, left, from an alligator, is from their snouts. Sometimes telling the difference between a caiman, an alligator and a crocodile can be difficult. Those differences are enough to put them all into different families when it comes to the scientific categorization. Caimans do not get as big as alligator or crocodile.
Alligator simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Alligators strongly favor freshwater while some species of crocodile live in seawater. The snout is the biggest difference with the crocodile and the alligator. Crocodiles are from the crocodylidae family, while alligators and caiman are. Crocodilian biology database faq whats the difference. Their goal is to prevent people from killing endangered crocodiles and caimans because they have mistaken an alligator for a crocodile or caiman. While alligators live in freshwater, crocodiles dwell in saltwater. Mar 12, 2018 a newly discovered difference between alligators and crocodiles. The majority of the book describes similarities between alligators and crocodiles. May 27, 2008 crocodiles are from the crocodylidae family, while alligators and caiman are from the alligatoridae family.
The introductory chapter describes crocodilian anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and behaviour. The difference between an alligator and a crocodile see more. While they are similar there are significant differences among them. Alligator vs crocodile differences explained with videos. May 06, 2018 one of the most commonly asked questions is what is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.
Coming face to face with a crocodile or an alligator, youd see a mouth full of serrated teeth that would likely scare the bejeezus out of you. Jan 14, 2017 forty feet large crocodiles have also been found in various rain forests across the world. The upper jaw of true crocodiles is not as broad as that of alligators and caimans. Explore our editors picks for the best kids books of the month. The first difference is where these skins are sourced from and where they dwell. What are the main differences between genuine crocodile. The database covers all 23 species of extant crocodilian, including alligators, caimans, crocodiles and the gharial. Nov 01, 2018 learn all about alligators and crocodiles. The first difference between a crocodile and an alligator is that they are from different families of crocodilians. These reptiles are interchangeable in meaning, you are more likely to dream about the reptile that you are most familiar with. In that 50 % are belongs to crocodiles family whether others are alligators, caimans and arial.
This is certainly the case in south florida, where gauging the length or mass of a crocodilian wont do much to aid in identification. In the latter group, the relationships among species are variable, but the phylogeny most used is alligator paleosuchus caiman, melanosuchus. Hopefully, now it will be easy for you to tell the difference between crocodile vs alligator. Differences between a caiman, crocodile and an alligator. Neither is a caiman an alligator nor are the two crocodiles. Although they look similar, there are a few key physical. Alligators have wider, ushaped snouts, while crocodile front ends are more pointed and vshaped. Difference between an alligator and a caiman answers. The caimans are predators and, like alligators and the crocodiles, their diet consists of a great. Difference between alligator, crocodile, and caiman skins. Here are the answers that will help you identify correctly each one of these types of reptiles. Includes distribution and habitat information plus maps, photographic images and head drawings, plus biology, ecology and conservation information in an easy to navigate format. Difference between caiman and alligator samsung galaxy blog.
The teeth of a crocodile are visible, even when the crocodile s mouth is closed, while alligator teeth are invisible until the mouth is open. Caimans are found in central and south america while alligators live in the southeastern united states and china. What is the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Alligators and caimans have a wide ushaped, rounded snout like a shovel, whereas crocodiles tend to have longer and more. Crocodilealligatorcaiman crocodile facts and information. Its straightforward presentation, and information provides the reader with an overview of both animals, and how they may be distinguished from one another. A caiman looks very similar to the american alligator short, ushaped snout, wide eyes, and usually have red eyes and a bony ridge between the eyes distinguishing them from alligators. Another notable difference between crocodiles and alligators is the visibility of the teeth on the bottom jaw. Sep 15, 2012 whats the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Alligators and crocodiles by gail gibbons 2010 description.
What is the difference between crocodile skin and alligator skin. Firstly, it is worth noting that the term crocodilians refers to all members of the family crocodylidae true crocodiles, family alligatoridae alligators and caimans and family gavialidae gharial, tomistoma. Dream meaning alligators, crocodiles and caiman super. A newly discovered difference between alligators and. What are the differences between alligators and crocodiles. What are the differences between a caiman and an alligator. The snout is the easiest way to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile unless you get close enough to get a good look at their teeth which we dont recommend. On crocodiles, however, you can see upper as well as some lower teeth. When alligators and caimans close their mouth, only the teeth in the upper jaw are visible because they have an overbite, like us. Let us first list the differences between crocodiles and the family of caiman and alligator. The alligator family includes the caiman, and the crocodile family includes the gavial. This book is excellent for teaching your kids the difference between alligators and crocodiles.
Interview with alligator differences between alligators and crocodiles ari loves alligators now bc of her godmother. Consequently alligators and caimans have more similarities to each other than either does to the crocodiles. What in the world is a caiman, and how does it relate to an. So, what are the differences between caimans, alligators, and crocodiles.
How to tell the difference between crocodile, alliagator, and. There are however a number of important differences which set these apex predators apart. In contrast to alligators and caimans, when true crocodiles close their jaws the enlarged 4th tooth on the lower jaw rests in that notch, and its tip is clearly visible. Yes, you can see the teeth of alligators with their mouths closed. However, with crocodile skin you will notice spots and dimples at the edges of the ridges it is definitely a crocodile you are looking at. Crocodilia or crocodylia is an order of mostly large, predatory, semiaquatic reptiles, known as crocodilians. What in the world is a caiman, and how does it relate to.
While there are plenty of differences between alligators and crocodiles, there are also a lot of similarities. Whats the difference between the three, and which label is correct. The difference between alligators and crocodiles is often easy to spot once you. Crocodiles also have stubbier, stouter snouts that alligators. The crocodile niloticus skin, as the name suggests, is sourced from the nile river. When crocodiles close their mouths, both upper and lower teeth are visible. Most people regard crocodiles as more aggressive than alligators, and this is true of some species. A newly discovered difference between alligators and crocodiles. Crocodiles tend to have a lighter appearance than alligators.
Caimans live only in certain freshwater areas of south and central america. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. It may be hard to tell the difference right off the bat from crocodile, especially if you dont have a trained eye, but placing a crocodile bag next to an alligator in the same design often has the consumer leaning towards the alligator because of the said. The shade can vary based on location as well as the species.
This is a major distinction between true crocodiles and alligators and caimans. Do you know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. Difference between alligator crocodile caiman and gharial. Also, the skin is drier and not as soft tothetouch as alligator or crocodile. An alligators upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw, meaning that teeth on its lower jaw are almost completely hidden when its mouth is closed.
More importantly, if there is a large size difference between the animals, there is a very good chance that the larger animal will kill and eat the smaller one even if they are the same species cannibalism is common amongst crocodilians. Firstly, it is worth noting that the term crocodilians. There have been many books with 1,000s of pages dedicated to showing the difference between the two similar, but totally different, species, but this book does more in 20 short pages then many treatises on the subject. All three of these big reptiles alligators, crocodiles, and caiman have features in common, but read on to discover some differences. Learn how to tell the difference between gators, crocs, and caiman in our latest blog. Crocodiles subfamily crocodylinae or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live. Those of alligators are wider and shorter, and crocodiles top and bottom teeth are interlaced and. Now you can go wild with the wild kratts every wednesday with a brand new video on the official. This easytoread and informative text highlights the differences between two animals that may look alike. Whats the difference between a caiman, crocodile and. Crocodyliaphysical characteristicsthe order crocodylia, also known as the crocodilians, includes 23 species of the most feared and most fascinating animals on the planet. Mar 10, 2019 but back to the difference between alligators, crocodiles and the smaller central and south american caiman.
This list of the best kids books about alligators and crocodiles is sure to include. The upper jaw consequently has quite a smooth jawline. Learn how to tell the difference between gators, crocs, and caiman in our. All three are reptiles and of the order crocodylia.
What is the difference between alligator, crocodile, and caiman crocodile. How to tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles. What in the world is a caiman, and how does it relate to an alligator or. While you may have to look hard to distinguish between alligator and nile crocodile, caiman skin is very noticeable. In terms of physical differences the easiest way to tell the differencedifferencedifference between the two is that a crocodile has a very long, narrow, vshaped snout, while the alligator s snout is wider and ushaped. Thats right, if you spot one caiman, there is a very good chance there are several others around youthat you may not see. Now i know that a crocodiles head is more narrow and its snout is more pointed that an alligators. A book about alligators and crocodiles by melvin a. Differentiating between alligators, crocodiles and caiman. When crocodiles close their mouth, the teeth from both the upper and lowe. But back to the difference between alligators, crocodiles and the smaller central and south american caiman. Difference between alligators and crocodiles size taking all species into account, the difference between alligators and crocodiles size is small and hard to gauge. The skin of crocodile and alligator is thick, scaly and strong. The smallest species, the smoothfronted caiman paleosuchus and the dwarf crocodile osteolaemus tetraspis, reach about 6 feet in length as adults.
May 09, 2007 crocodiles typically thrive in saltwater environments and are very aggressive when in comparison to alligators and caimans. The term crocodile here applies to only the species within the subfamily of crocodylinae. They are all members of the same family, the caiman is smaller and has sharper. Crocodiles and alligators are the biggest reptilians on the planet. The skin is characterized by pock marks on the tiles and the tiles tend to be concave in shape. Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles.
Whats the difference between a caiman, an alligator and a crocodile. Crocodiles hunt larger prey, such as sharks and large mammals such as buffaloes, apes, and even humans. But how to to differentiate these two exotic leathers. Well, thats our post on the differences between crocodiles vs alligators, and we hope you found it useful, informative, and easy to understand. Is there a difference between alligators and crocodiles.
1317 1101 37 108 1290 574 627 354 634 1440 1559 947 176 896 533 789 600 119 450 245 798 812 1007 834 1452 654 282 249 1443 509 1574 628 653 1451 317 5 620 1046 451 1319 1010 1088 153 187 851 125 1493 528