Reptile
American Alligator
The armored survivor of the southern swamps
Order Crocodilia
Crocodilia is a taxonomic order in the class Reptilia. Global Animal Guide profiles 5 of its members: American Alligator, Saltwater Crocodile, Spectacled Caiman and 2 more. The table compares them using the figures on each profile.
Crocodilia species compared
| Animal | Weight | Length | Top speed | Lifespan | Native to | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis | 360 kg | 4 m | 32 km/h | 50 yrs | North America | Least Concern |
| Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus | 1,000 kg | 5.5 m | 29 km/h | 70 yrs | Asia, Oceania | Least Concern |
| Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus | 40 kg | 2 m | 30 km/h | 40 yrs | South America, North America | Least Concern |
| Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus | 410 kg | 5 m | 30 km/h | 80 yrs | Africa | Least Concern |
| Gharial Gavialis gangeticus | 250 kg | 5 m | 25 km/h | 55 yrs | Asia | Critically Endangered |
Figures are typical adult maxima from each profile; follow a profile for ranges, sources and context.
Profiles
Reptile
Saltwater Crocodile
The largest living reptile and most powerful bite on Earth
Reptile
Spectacled Caiman
The common crocodilian of the Americas
Reptile
Nile Crocodile
Africa's largest and most formidable predator of the rivers
Reptile
Gharial
The fish-eating crocodilian with a long, narrow snout