What Are Crocodile Traits?

Species

• Nearly two dozen species of crocodiles are distributed around the world. Slender-snouted crocodiles, African Dwarf crocodiles and Nile crocodiles inhabit Africa. American crocodiles are found in North, Central and South America. Orinoco crocodiles are found in South America. Southeast Asia is home to False gharials, Siamese Crocodiles and Estuarine crocodiles. Mugger crocodiles are found in India. Cuban crocodiles, Philippine crocodiles and New Guinea crocodiles are named for their countries of origin.

General Traits

• Crocodiles have long, flattened bodies covered in bony plates, long tails, short legs and long snouts. Crocodiles can move well on land and can even run as fast as 11 mph. However, they spend more time in the water. They can hold their breath for an hour and can swim up to 20 mph. They eat fish, frogs, turtles, birds, pigs, monkeys, deer and buffalo. Female crocodiles lay about 20 eggs and protect them from predators until they hatch. After the babies hatch, the mother carries them to water and looks after them for the first year.

Size

• Crocodiles vary in size. Most species reach an adult length between 6 and 10 feet. The saltwater crocodile is the largest living species and typically reaches 14 feet in length; however, they sometimes exceed 20 feet in length. The Orinoco, American and Nile species typically reach 12 feet. The Congo dwarf crocodile, the smallest known species, is typically only about 3 1/2 feet long. Scientists believe that the extinct species Sarcosuchus imperator, which lived alongside dinosaurs in the Cretaceous period 145 to 65 millions years ago, was nearly 40 feet long.

Habitat and Adaptations

• Crocodiles live in slow-moving rivers and grassy swamps. They are well adapted to their aquatic lifestyle. When they are partially submerged, their eyes, ears and nostrils stick out of the water so they can still use their senses. When they are fully submerged, special muscles pull their nostrils closed and flaps of skin keep water out of their ears. Crocodiles also feature a flap called the palatal valve that keeps water out of their throats and a transparent, third eyelid keeps water out of their eyes.

Crocodile Versus Alligator

• Alligators and crocodiles have similar appearances. However, some general physical characteristics differentiate the two groups. Alligators usually have wide, U-shaped snouts while crocodiles have pointed, V-shaped snouts. When a crocodile has its mouth closed, the fourth tooth on the lower jaw is visible, sticking up over the lip. When an alligator has its mouth shut, the fourth tooth is covered up.