ALLIGATORS + CAIMANSAlligatoridae
- Snout
- Usually broad and U-shaped
- Closed jaw
- Lower fourth tooth usually hidden
- Stronghold
- The Americas, plus China
Two alligators and six caimans—from Cuvier’s dwarf caiman to the formidable black caiman.
THE COMPLETE LIVING ORDER · 84 MILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING
Built for
the waterline.
Meet every recognized living crocodilian—from compact forest caimans to the largest reptiles alive.
Start at the waterline ↓26LIVING
SPECIES
SPECIES
ALLIGATORS ◆ CROCODILES ◆ CAIMANS ◆ GHARIALS ◆ 26 SPECIES ◆ 3 FAMILIES ◆ ONE ANCIENT ORDER
START HERE / MEET THE ORDER
Not just crocodiles
What is a
crocodilian?
A crocodilian is any member of the reptile order Crocodilia. The name covers four familiar groups—not only crocodiles.
AlligatorsCrocodilesCaimansGharials
They are semi-aquatic archosaurs, making birds their closest living relatives. All share armored skin, powerful tails, four-chambered hearts, attentive parenting, and senses tuned to the waterline.
84 million yearsModern lineages reach deep into the Late Cretaceous.
26 living speciesRecognized here across three living families.
One shared designMany different jaws, habitats, diets, and survival stories.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE / A QUICK FIELD KEY
Same blueprint.
Different lives.
The snout is the quickest clue—but teeth, habitat, and lineage tell the fuller story.
TRUE CROCODILESCrocodylidae
- Snout
- Often narrower and V-shaped
- Closed jaw
- Lower fourth tooth often visible
- Stronghold
- Tropical regions worldwide
The most varied family: forest dwarfs, river hunters, and saltwater travelers all belong here.
GHARIAL + FALSE GHARIALGavialidae
- Snout
- Exceptionally long and narrow
- Best suited for
- Fast sideways strikes at fish
- Stronghold
- Rivers and swamps of Asia
Two extraordinary survivors shaped by fish-rich rivers and peat-swamp forests.
FIELD NOTE Snout shape is a useful shortcut, not a perfect identification rule. Age and species create exceptions.
THE COMPLETE ORDER / SPECIES ARCHIVE
Every living
crocodilian.
Search by common name, scientific name, or range. Select an entry to open its field profile.
AMPHIBIOUS ENGINEERING
Made for the
in-between.
- 01Armored skinOsteoderms reinforce the back and aid heat exchange.
- 02Waterline sensesRaised sensory organs allow near-total concealment.
- 03Palatal valveA fleshy seal closes the throat underwater.
- 04Propulsive tailSide-to-side strokes power silent movement.
THE NEXT 84 MILLION
Survival is
not guaranteed.
Protection brought several species back from the edge. Others survive only in fragments of river, swamp, and forest.
Wetland loss, fishing gear, dams, hunting, and conflict with people continue to shape their future.