Crocodilia is an order of large reptiles which includes three families of Crocodylidae (crocodiles), Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), and Gavialidae (gharials and false gharials).
Crocodiles are the largest and most powerful crocodilians. They are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Crocodiles have a broad snout and powerful jaws that can crush even the hardest bones.
Alligators are found in North and South America. They are smaller than crocodiles, and have a narrower snout and their top teeth do not overlap their bottom teeth.
Caimans are closely related to alligators and are found in Central and South America. They are smaller than alligators and have a more rounded snout.
Gharials are found in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. They have a long, narrow snout that is used to catch fish.
False gharials are similar to gharials in appearance, but they have a broader snout and their teeth are not as specialized for fishing. They are found in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java.
Below, a list of all crocodilians species divided by family:
Alligatoridae List
American alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Native range: Southeastern United States
Size: up to 450 kg (1,000 lb)
Habitat: Wetlands (inland), intertidal marine, and coastal marine
The American alligator is a species native to the southeastern United States. It is a formidable reptile that can grow up to 450 kg (1,000 lb) in size. Known for its broad snout and powerful jaws, it inhabits a variety of wetland environments, including inland wetlands, intertidal marine areas, and coastal regions.
Chinese alligator
Alligator sinensis
Native range: Eastern China
Size: up to 45 kg (100 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
The Chinese alligator is a critically endangered species found in Eastern China. Considerably smaller than its American counterpart, it typically weighs up to 45 kg (100 lb). This shy and elusive reptile primarily resides in inland wetlands, where it plays a vital role in maintaining local biodiversity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species from habitat loss and illegal hunting, as its population continues to face significant challenges.
Spectacled caiman
Caiman crocodilus
Native range: Northern South America and Central America
Size: up to 58 kg (128 lb)
Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands
The spectacled caiman is a widespread species found in northern South America and Central America. It possesses a distinctive bony ridge between its eyes, resembling spectacles. With a maximum weight of around 58 kg (128 lb), it adapts well to various habitats such as forests, savannas, shrublands, grasslands, and inland wetlands.
Broad-snouted caiman
Caiman latirostris
Native range: Southeastern South America
Size: up to 62 kg (137 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands and intertidal marine
Native to southeastern South America, the broad-snouted caiman is a medium-sized crocodilian species weighing up to 62 kg (137 lb). It thrives in both inland wetlands and intertidal marine environments, showcasing its adaptability.
Yacare caiman
Caiman yacare
Native range: Central and southern South America
Size: up to 58 kg (128 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
The yacare caiman is native to central and southern South America. With a maximum weight of around 58 kg (128 lb), it is a formidable reptile. It primarily resides in inland wetlands, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse ecosystems.
Black caiman
Melanosuchus niger
Native range: Northern South America
Size: up to 680 kg (1,500 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
The black caiman is a large and powerful crocodilian species found in northern South America. It is one of the largest species of crocodilians, reaching weights of up to 680 kg (1,500 lb). Inland wetlands serve as its primary habitat, where it plays a crucial role as a top predator, contributing to the regulation of the ecosystem. Due to its size and intimidating nature, the black caiman is an apex predator in its environment.
Cuvier’s dwarf caiman
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Native range: Northern and central South America
Size: typically 6–7 kg (13–15 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is a small-sized crocodilian species, typically weighing between 6 and 7 kg (13-15 lb). It is native to northern and central South America. This caiman species predominantly inhabits inland wetlands, where it plays a vital ecological role. Despite its small size, the Cuvier’s dwarf caiman possesses impressive adaptations and behaviors that help it thrive in its environment.
Smooth-fronted caiman
Paleosuchus trigonatus
Native range: Northern South America
Size: typically 9–20 kg (20–44 lb)
Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands
The smooth-fronted caiman is a crocodilian species found in northern South America. It typically weighs between 9 and 20 kg (20-44 lb). Known for its smooth, rounded snout, it primarily resides in forests and inland wetlands. The smooth-fronted caiman’s diet consists of fish and invertebrates, and it contributes to the overall biodiversity and balance of its habitat through its ecological interactions.
Crocodylidae
American crocodile
Crocodylus acutus
Native range: Northern South America, Central America, Greater Antilles
Size: up to 907 kg (2,000 lb)
Habitat: Forest, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine
The American crocodile inhabits a wide range, including northern South America, Central America, and the Greater Antilles. It is a large species, with males reaching sizes of up to 907 kg (2,000 lb). This crocodile species has adapted to various habitats, including forests, neritic marine areas, intertidal marine zones, and coastal marine environments.
Orinoco crocodile
Crocodylus intermedius
Native range: Northern South America
Size: up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
Habitat: Forest, savanna, and inland wetlands
Native to northern South America, the Orinoco crocodile is an impressive species that can grow up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). It primarily resides in habitats such as forests, savannas, and inland wetlands. Facing threats to its population, conservation efforts are underway to protect this critically endangered species and its crucial role in its ecosystem.
Freshwater crocodile
Crocodylus johnstoni
Native range: Northern Australia
Size: up to 100 kg (220 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Found in northern Australia, the freshwater crocodile is a smaller-sized crocodilian species, typically weighing up to 100 kg (220 lb). It is well adapted to thrive in inland wetlands, where it plays a significant ecological role. These crocodiles are known for their ability to coexist with humans, often found in close proximity to populated areas.
Philippine crocodile
Crocodylus mindorensis
Native range: Philippines
Size: up to 190 kg (420 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
The Philippine crocodile is endemic to the Philippines and is considered one of the most critically endangered crocodile species in the world. It reaches sizes of up to 190 kg (420 lb) and primarily inhabits inland wetlands. Conservation efforts are vital to protect this species and its unique genetic lineage, as it faces numerous threats, including habitat loss and hunting.
Morelet’s crocodile
Crocodylus moreletii
Native range: Eastern Mexico
Size: up to 136 kg (300 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Native to eastern Mexico, Morelet’s crocodile is a medium-sized species weighing up to 136 kg (300 lb). It mainly resides in inland wetlands, contributing to the ecosystem by controlling prey populations and playing a vital role as an apex predator. Although this species has recovered from past declines, conservation efforts continue to ensure its long-term survival.
Nile crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Native range: Sub-Saharan Africa
Size: up to 1,089 kg (2,400 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine
The Nile crocodile is a large species native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It can reach sizes of up to 1,089 kg (2,400 lb) and inhabits various habitats, including inland wetlands, neritic marine areas, intertidal marine zones, and coastal marine environments. This formidable predator plays a crucial ecological role and is known for its ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.
New Guinea crocodile
Crocodylus novaeguineae
Native range: New Guinea
Size: No data
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Native to New Guinea, this crocodile species lacks specific data on size. It primarily resides in inland wetlands, contributing to the local ecosystem.
Mugger crocodile
Crocodylus palustris
Native range: Southern Asia
Size: up to 450 kg (1,000 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands and neritic marine
The mugger crocodile is found in Southern Asia and can grow up to 450 kg (1,000 lb). It thrives in both inland wetlands and neritic marine areas, demonstrating its adaptability. The mugger crocodile plays an essential role as a top predator and contributes to the ecological balance of its habitat.
Saltwater crocodile
Crocodylus porosus
Native range: South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia and Oceania
Size: up to 1,360 kg (3,000 lb)
Habitat: No data
Native to South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and Oceania, the saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile. It can reach impressive sizes of up to 1,360 kg (3,000 lb). This species is well-known for its ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments, including estuaries and river systems.
Cuban crocodile
Crocodylus rhombifer
Native range: Cuba
Size: up to 215 kg (474 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Endemic to Cuba, the Cuban crocodile is a medium-sized species, typically weighing up to 215 kg (474 lb). It primarily inhabits inland wetlands, where it plays a crucial ecological role. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, which is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss and human activities.
Siamese crocodile
Crocodylus siamensis
Native range: Southeast Asia
Size: up to 350 kg (770 lb)
Habitat: Inland wetlands
Native to Southeast Asia, the Siamese crocodile is a medium-sized species, with males reaching weights of up to 350 kg (770 lb). It primarily resides in inland wetlands, where it contributes to the ecosystem’s balance by controlling prey populations. Conservation initiatives are vital to safeguard this species, which is critically endangered due to habitat degradation and hunting.
West African slender-snouted crocodile
Mecistops cataphractus
Native range: Western Africa
Size: up to 325 kg (717 lb)
Habitat: Forest, savanna, inland wetlands, neritic marine, and coastal marine
The West African slender-snouted crocodile is found in Western Africa and can reach sizes of up to 325 kg (717 lb). It adapts to various habitats, including forests, savannas, inland wetlands, neritic marine areas, and coastal marine environments. This elusive crocodile species is classified as vulnerable, and conservation efforts are crucial to protect its populations and habitats.
Dwarf crocodile
Osteolaemus tetraspis
Native range: Western Africa
Size: No data
Habitat: No data
The Dwarf crocodile, scientifically known as Osteolaemus tetraspis, is a crocodile species native to Western Africa. As its name suggests, the Dwarf crocodile is known for its relatively small size compared to other crocodiles. They are predominantly nocturnal, displaying increased activity during the night. Dwarf crocodiles have an average length of 4-6 feet and feed mainly on fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Gavialidae
Gharial
Gavialis gangeticus
Native range: Scattered south Asia
Size: up to 820 kg (1,800 lb)
Habitat: Wetlands (inland)
The gharial, also known as the Indian gharial, is a unique crocodilian species native to scattered regions in South Asia. It can grow to impressive sizes, with males reaching weights of up to 820 kg (1,800 lb). This species is specially adapted to thrive in wetland habitats, particularly inland wetlands. The long, slender snout of the gharial is well-suited for catching fish, its primary food source.
False gharial
Tomistoma schlegelii
Native range: Southeast Asia
Size: up to 450 kg (1,000 lb)
Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands
The false gharial, scientifically known as Tomistoma schlegelii, is a crocodilian species native to Southeast Asia. It can reach impressive sizes, weighing up to 450 kg (1,000 lb). While closely related to the gharial, the false gharial is not a true member of the Gavialidae family. Instead, it belongs to its own distinct family, the Tomistomidae. This species is predominantly found in forested areas and inland wetlands, where it exhibits a diverse diet that includes fish, reptiles, and mammals.
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