Really should be a picture of an American Crocodile. It's the only crocodile that lives in the same territory as the American Alligator on earth, in the Everglades/South Florida.
Directly from Wikipedia:
"The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a crocodilian in the family Gavialidae and among the longest of all living crocodilians"
So technically it's a crocodile??
The word “crocodilian” refers to the Crocodilia order that encompasses all crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials.
There are three families that comprise this order.
Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), Gavialidae (gharials), and Crocodylidae (crocodiles).
Only members of Crocodylidae are crocodiles. But they are all crocodilians.
Gharials are not crocodiles. Crocodiles are members of the Crocodyloidea family. Gavialidae (gharials) are more closely related to Crocodyloidea than Alligatoridae (alligators) are, but they’re still distinct.
The real answer: go to a herpetology conference and ask this. The result will either be everyone nearby getting in a fistfight, or curling into fetal position and whimpering.
The relationships among crocodilian groups, where to draw boundaries, etc has been highly contentious for quite a while, especially with the false gharial (Tomistoma), and including extinct species in analysis actually makes it even more confusing.
Two disclaimers before I pitch my .02 cents.
First, I know very little about this part of the reptile family tree. But like most, I am all for
learning so feel free to school me.
Second, the collection of tidbits that I do know is by association. I am a huge fan of 🐢 . I remember learning about false gharial from a few books I have about the different species of turtles that are extant within Asia.
I know there are gavials in Nepal because when I was there was when I first learned of their existence.
Anyways one of the things I remember reading was that there are (currently) 3 families that exist that is crocodilian.
And it mentioned that gavials/gharials and their classification is (or was) disputed.
The debate was (or is) if they are actually apart of the gharial family or the crocodile family.
My understanding is that is hasn't been conclusively clarified, but currently the false gharial is counted among the family of the true crocodiles.
Maybe my information is old and it's changed since I read the books. In fairness, this was over 20 years ago so maybe it's different now...
Is really “long and massive” a description of a tail that makes you picture a croc tail? Also how is that distinguishable from “muscular and flat” a long and massive thing can still be muscular and flat! And a muscular and flat tail can still be long and massive! God damn it!
Crocodiles are much more likely to, though. We're larger than an aligator's normal prey, but small compared to what a lot of crocs are used to eating (especially Nile Crocs). That's why gators are responsible for a death every few years, while the annual number for people killed by crocodiles is in the thousands.
Someone in the comments said that's not a croc but Gharial. So I made a quick Google search:
Gharials and crocodiles are both large aquatic reptiles that look similar, but have several differences:
**Snout shape**
Crocodiles have long, pointed, V-shaped snouts, while gharials have long, pointed, thin snouts. Gharials' snouts become shorter and thicker with age.
**Teeth placement**
Crocodiles have upper and lower jaws of similar width, while gharials have large front teeth for grasping and a lower jaw that's slightly narrower than the upper. Gharials also have sharp, interlocking teeth lining their nose.
**Size**
Gharials are larger than Nile and American crocodiles, but smaller than saltwater crocodiles. A typical gharial can grow to 15 feet (4.6 m) in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg).
**Other physical features**
Gharials have webbed feet, a long, flattened tail, and a light-colored abdomen with a black, scaled rear. Females have a bulbous structure at the tip of their nose, which is absent in crocodiles. Males have a more prominent ghara hump on their noses than females.
**Habitat**
Crocodiles can be found in freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, and rivers, but can also be found in saltwater habitats such as estuaries and coastal mangrove swamps.
Way easier. Gators are black. Crocs aren’t. Cayman can be black, but have a distinct, narrow snout as well and are tiny. So if it’s black it’s a Gator. but OP needs a cool guide on crocodiles vs gharial.
I feel like I had a mandala effect with the mouth shape, I specifically remembered being told that the Alligator had an "A" shaped snout, and Crocodiles had a more rounded "C" shaped snout. Then, like 10 years ago, I was told I was wrong and everything since has been retconned. 🤷♂️
Alligator, more rounded snout, looks chill. Crocodile more visible teeth, pointy snout, looks spikey and is much more aggressive.
If a gator sees you, don't panic and don't provoke it. If you see a crocodile coming toward you, RUN!
Why isn't there a general English word for either of them?
Imagine if African elephant and Asian elephant had a unique name and you just had to know how to differentiate them because the general term "elephant" didn't exist.
Some languages have just one general word for them and unless you're a zoologist there's not much reason to differentiate them.
Because they’re distinct families in the order crocodylia, whereas African and Asian elephants are the same family. Within the families Alligatoridae (alligators and caiman), Crocodylidae (crocodiles), and Gavialidae (gharials) there’s many subspecies but they can be grouped by alligators/caimans/crocodiles/gharials.
Edit: and as the other commenter said, all would fall under the term crocodilians
Growing up I thought to tell them apart Alligator an A shape snout and Crocodile because the snout made a C shape. Like a Pokemon naming kinda thing. Buuuut no.
So my partner actually told me this when for trying to tell the difference of an alligator and a crocodile.
"Look at the head, if it looks like a Croc, like the shoe, then it's a gator."
The overhead image depicting the alligator snout is just about the worst image you could have possible chosen, and likely taken of a cayman, not an alligoator.
Poor show Op, pas bon.
It hasnt happened to me or anyone I know, but imagine one of these eats your dog or your leg. I’d be like damn this dinosaur bitch shouldn’t even be alive. Its just a random passionate dislike of an animal
To be honest I still don't think they need different labels. Fish, cats, bears have more differences than alligators and crocodiles. Probably even races of humans.
Another way to tell them apart: you typically see crocodiles in a while, but don’t see alligators until later.
A big upvote for that zinger! I also hear Crocodiles prefer Rock.
I thought crocs prefer australians.
backpackers mostly
Crocodiles wear crocs and alligators wear gaiters
It’s been a long week and I need this joke 😁
Gators in distress often need flavored sports drinks. (It’s got electrolytes)
I remember when rock was young
You're getting them confused with lobsters
Rock Lobster 🦞 and Crocodile Rock 🐊
Has anyone else noticed that hippos evolved a similar shape to their snout from sticking their face slightly out of the water the same way?
While not always practical, [this guide](https://imgur.com/k57jMHx) is much easier to commit to memory.
came here specifically to say this
The “crocodile” isn’t a crocodile. That’s a false gharial.
So annoying when people make these "guides" and can't even get it right. How hard is it to find a pic of a salty or Nile croc? Ffs OP
that's the entire subreddit
So true. They should rename this sub to "shit guides, maps, and graphs".
it's called cool guides and we all know the coolest guy isn't always the most correct, dude 😎
Really should be a picture of an American Crocodile. It's the only crocodile that lives in the same territory as the American Alligator on earth, in the Everglades/South Florida.
Couldn’t agree more.
TIL there is something called a false gharial.
They are quiet little Sumatran freshies. Good pets
😂
Directly from Wikipedia: "The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a crocodilian in the family Gavialidae and among the longest of all living crocodilians" So technically it's a crocodile??
Maybe there's a difference between the crocodilians and proper crocodiles? Not sure, just a thought
The word “crocodilian” refers to the Crocodilia order that encompasses all crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. There are three families that comprise this order. Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), Gavialidae (gharials), and Crocodylidae (crocodiles). Only members of Crocodylidae are crocodiles. But they are all crocodilians.
That’s a croc-o-shit! Nah you right though.
Either way sounds like semantics coming from someone trying to act smart online to be completely honest 😂
it's not semantics. There are real differences, that's why they have different names
Gharials are not crocodiles. Crocodiles are members of the Crocodyloidea family. Gavialidae (gharials) are more closely related to Crocodyloidea than Alligatoridae (alligators) are, but they’re still distinct.
The real answer: go to a herpetology conference and ask this. The result will either be everyone nearby getting in a fistfight, or curling into fetal position and whimpering. The relationships among crocodilian groups, where to draw boundaries, etc has been highly contentious for quite a while, especially with the false gharial (Tomistoma), and including extinct species in analysis actually makes it even more confusing.
OMG I was looking at the snout and was like "Isn't that a gharial" THANK YOU BROTHER LMAO
And alligators certainly get bigger than 11 ft
I was going to comment this.
I thought it's nose looked awfully pointy for a croc.
I was like that looks like a Gharial but not?
Came here for this
Looks like it could be an Australian freshwater croc
Two disclaimers before I pitch my .02 cents. First, I know very little about this part of the reptile family tree. But like most, I am all for learning so feel free to school me. Second, the collection of tidbits that I do know is by association. I am a huge fan of 🐢 . I remember learning about false gharial from a few books I have about the different species of turtles that are extant within Asia. I know there are gavials in Nepal because when I was there was when I first learned of their existence. Anyways one of the things I remember reading was that there are (currently) 3 families that exist that is crocodilian. And it mentioned that gavials/gharials and their classification is (or was) disputed. The debate was (or is) if they are actually apart of the gharial family or the crocodile family. My understanding is that is hasn't been conclusively clarified, but currently the false gharial is counted among the family of the true crocodiles. Maybe my information is old and it's changed since I read the books. In fairness, this was over 20 years ago so maybe it's different now...
It is in the family Gavialidae and in its own genus Tomistoma. It should not be considered or counted as a true crocodile.
Alligator has plates on their skin and the croc’s skin is plated. Brilliant.
Is really “long and massive” a description of a tail that makes you picture a croc tail? Also how is that distinguishable from “muscular and flat” a long and massive thing can still be muscular and flat! And a muscular and flat tail can still be long and massive! God damn it!
Same with the descriptions of the body, they aren't mutually exclusive in any way
Also this: > Alligator: Armoured body with bony plates on their skin > Crocodile: Thick and plated
> a long and massive thing can still be muscular and flat I know.
Love a good old confusing mix of imprerial and metric measurements.
That's not a crocodile...THATS A FUCKING GHARIAL. good post though, and it's not your fault. I hope you have a good day. Thanks for the Gator post 🙂
It’s a what now? Off to do some googling…
The fuck is this shit
Incorrect data
A terrible infographic. Your average 6th grader could have done better on their report assignment.
Reptiles.
Not a crocodile picture lol. That’s a false gharial
They are also very similar in the fact they will both bite tf outta you.
Crocodiles are much more likely to, though. We're larger than an aligator's normal prey, but small compared to what a lot of crocs are used to eating (especially Nile Crocs). That's why gators are responsible for a death every few years, while the annual number for people killed by crocodiles is in the thousands.
So you’re saying alligators are religious ?
Using feet and then kg?
Would’ve been way easier if they switched names because the snout if the alligator is shaped like a C and the snout of the croc is shaped like and A
My preferred nomenclature is Calligators and Arocodiles.
This is legit how I remeber it. 😅 I think about the shape of their snout and remeber it's the opposite of what makes sense.
Why are all these manuals are such lousy quality? It's hard to distinguish anything.
Someone in the comments said that's not a croc but Gharial. So I made a quick Google search: Gharials and crocodiles are both large aquatic reptiles that look similar, but have several differences: **Snout shape** Crocodiles have long, pointed, V-shaped snouts, while gharials have long, pointed, thin snouts. Gharials' snouts become shorter and thicker with age. **Teeth placement** Crocodiles have upper and lower jaws of similar width, while gharials have large front teeth for grasping and a lower jaw that's slightly narrower than the upper. Gharials also have sharp, interlocking teeth lining their nose. **Size** Gharials are larger than Nile and American crocodiles, but smaller than saltwater crocodiles. A typical gharial can grow to 15 feet (4.6 m) in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg). **Other physical features** Gharials have webbed feet, a long, flattened tail, and a light-colored abdomen with a black, scaled rear. Females have a bulbous structure at the tip of their nose, which is absent in crocodiles. Males have a more prominent ghara hump on their noses than females. **Habitat** Crocodiles can be found in freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, and rivers, but can also be found in saltwater habitats such as estuaries and coastal mangrove swamps.
The croc will see you "after a while" Where as the gator will see you "later"
I am running as fast as I can if I see either of them mfs
WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CAIMAN!
As a Florida Man, I can attest on sight that is not a crocodile.
Boop the snoot
Way easier. Gators are black. Crocs aren’t. Cayman can be black, but have a distinct, narrow snout as well and are tiny. So if it’s black it’s a Gator. but OP needs a cool guide on crocodiles vs gharial.
Body "thick and plated" vs "armored with plates" Got it
Always got them confused. "Alligator" just sounds like it should be the skinnier one.
Maybe silly question, but in general, which one would win in a fight?
Ok probably was silly… looks like croc wins based on size
I'd put my money on the croc. Bigger, angrier, and regularly hunt wildebeests and shit.
I feel like I had a mandala effect with the mouth shape, I specifically remembered being told that the Alligator had an "A" shaped snout, and Crocodiles had a more rounded "C" shaped snout. Then, like 10 years ago, I was told I was wrong and everything since has been retconned. 🤷♂️
Same!
Alligators drink Gatorade. Crocodiles wear Crocs.
Also, one sees you later and the other after awhile. 😁
I find it really pathetic that after all these years they can't just put their differences aside and come together.
They are the same picture.
both delicious
Virgin vs Chad
Croc gang
Which one uses fear as their bacon bits?
Alligator, more rounded snout, looks chill. Crocodile more visible teeth, pointy snout, looks spikey and is much more aggressive. If a gator sees you, don't panic and don't provoke it. If you see a crocodile coming toward you, RUN!
Really weird they mixed ft and kg together. Why not use lbs?
Why not use metres?
Alligators are also more cute
“…. Your son wouldn’t happen to be an alligator Mrs.Cartman??”
...I wonder if they'll wait a while/ to clear away my crocodile/ I'm leaving at the rising of the moon... "Pravda" Vampire Weekend
So which is the deadlier?
Why isn't there a general English word for either of them? Imagine if African elephant and Asian elephant had a unique name and you just had to know how to differentiate them because the general term "elephant" didn't exist. Some languages have just one general word for them and unless you're a zoologist there's not much reason to differentiate them.
There is a word for this. “Crocodilian”.
Because they’re distinct families in the order crocodylia, whereas African and Asian elephants are the same family. Within the families Alligatoridae (alligators and caiman), Crocodylidae (crocodiles), and Gavialidae (gharials) there’s many subspecies but they can be grouped by alligators/caimans/crocodiles/gharials. Edit: and as the other commenter said, all would fall under the term crocodilians
Feel like their names should be the other way around
thanks! Do one on Turtles vs Tortoise and Frogs vs Toads also
i’d like to know the differences between their undersides
Hi everyone!
I’ll take your 10 Alligators and I’ll trade you for 1 Crocodile 🐊
alligator tears
I drive a Chevrolet movie theater
Which are the ones you don’t jump in the water with?
Alligators are hissy friends crocodiles will bite your foot off
19 FREAKING FEET! NINE-TEEN......FEET..... TWO HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT MOTHER LOVING INCHES?!?! WHAT THE JURASSIC HELL?!?!?
Today I learn difference between alligator and crocodile
lol the names should be switched because the A looks like a crocodile head and the C looks like an alligator head
Growing up I thought to tell them apart Alligator an A shape snout and Crocodile because the snout made a C shape. Like a Pokemon naming kinda thing. Buuuut no.
Oh, well this guide certainly cleared everything up
“I'm a huge alligator nerd. I can name you every genus, every subspecies. Also I'm a huge boob nerd.”
I will never need this information.
Godskin Noble and Godskin Apostle.
ummm, a Guide eh? which is which?
This is so inaccurate. Not all crocs look like that. The American alligator and American Crocodile look very similar.
Good croc
Can they interbreed?
Alligator 🔛🔝
I thought crocs were bigger than gators?
Feet and Kilograms. Amazing
I thought this was a movie for a second
The fact that there are two types of these monsters just freely roaming around should trouble people more than it does, IMO.
INTERIOR CROCODILE ALLIGATOR, I DRIVE A CHEVROLET MOVIE THEATER.
Can Crocodiles and Alligators inter breed? Like can we end up with a Allidile? Or a Crocogator? Or an Acrollidator?
I like that they use imperial for length and metric for weight, just to confuse everyone.
There is only one of them that can eat underwater which one is it? I cant remmember
id hunt it with a big rock while sunbathing and/or use a small rock to get the bird prey.
“Look at those snappers, will ya?!”
So my partner actually told me this when for trying to tell the difference of an alligator and a crocodile. "Look at the head, if it looks like a Croc, like the shoe, then it's a gator."
Isn’t color also a difference? Like alligators are just black but crocs are greenish? Also 11ft, aw.
Which one tastes good?
Do they also have different behavior interacting with humans etc.?
one sees you later, the other sees you in a while
Idk what the one on the right is, but that ain’t no croc. Thats like a caiman or something, snout is wayyy too thin
Cool fact, Alligators and Crocodiles split evolutionarily 80 million years ago, which is 15 million years before Dinos went extinct.
Like to see this with the Indian Gavial, Crocodile and alligator
Whoever figured the size of the alligator has apparently never been to the south
"Are you blind, are you dumbass? That's an alligator" -Momi
Feet in length and kilos for weight, must be a Canadian.
All I see is that gators are sexier
that's a caiman
The overhead image depicting the alligator snout is just about the worst image you could have possible chosen, and likely taken of a cayman, not an alligoator. Poor show Op, pas bon.
So Crocs are more photogenic showing all their pearly whites
Crikey!
Momma says, “alligators are ornery becuz they got all dem teef and no toofbrush”
What do you call an Alligator wearing a vest ? An investigator 😅
I did not realize a crocodile was born 11 ft long and weighing 200 kgs.
How about: in America you don't see Crocs and in Africa you needn't worry about Gators. They're territorial and not that strong a swimmer ya see?
Have you never heard of the American Crocodile before? You're so confident in your ignorance, it's sad.
Gator and Gator (plus(max)) got it 👌🏽
11ft Alligator vs 11ft Crocodile. Which one would win in a fight?
Can they interbreed?
How does this not have bite force?
So which one is poisonous?
Also Caiman and Gharial are closely related
So which one is the one they use for expensive hand bags?
What about something like a cayman? I've got 0 idea
Most importantly, one will see you later whereas the other will see you in a while.
Do you think they ever.. you know?? 👀👀
The easiest way to remember is the crocodiles nose makes a “A”, and the alligators nose makes an “C”.
Another easy factor to tell them apart is that you'll see one later, and the other in a while. Hope this helps! 🤞😎
Least favorite group of animals
I personally think they should have gone to hell with the other dinosaurs
Why?
It hasnt happened to me or anyone I know, but imagine one of these eats your dog or your leg. I’d be like damn this dinosaur bitch shouldn’t even be alive. Its just a random passionate dislike of an animal
But that's not a croc...
[удалено]
Not to mention, that's a Malayan gharial
Like stated in the picture? Or what are you on about?
That's only fresh water crocodile... Salt water has different snout.... And is far more likely to kill you.
To be honest I still don't think they need different labels. Fish, cats, bears have more differences than alligators and crocodiles. Probably even races of humans.