Crocodile or Alligator - What’s the Difference?
1. Teeth
Crocodile Teeth
The crocodile’s upper and lower jaws are the same width, so you can see both rows of teeth. The upper AND lower. You can especially see the fourth tooth on the lower jaw as it projects over the upper jaw.
Alligator Teeth
The alligator’s upper jaw is wider, so the lower jaw disappears into the upper jaw. Keep an eye out for the fourth tooth on the lower jaw. If it’s covered by the upper jaw, then you’re probably looking at an alligator.
Look at the teeth - which animal is “smiling”? If you look at the animal from the side, the alligator looks like it’s smiling.
Caiman Teeth
The caiman has sharper and longer teeth than the alligator.
Gharial Teeth
The gavial, unlike its relatives, has many more teeth. It has 76-110 teeth, its relatives have 64-82 teeth.
- Table of Contents
- 0. Introduction
- 1. Teeth
- 2. Snout
- 3. Habitat
- 4. Summary With All Differences
