Crocodilians page 2

Alligators and Caymans

Alligators and caymans are both in the same group of the Crocodilian family. They have a broader head and 'U' shaped nose while crocodiles have heads that become narrower at their 'V' shaped noses. Caymans have a slightly narrower head than alligators.

Image courtesy Jupiter Images, with permission

Alligators and caymans show their front teeth when their mouths are closed. They live in fresh water.

Alligators and caymans have little black bumps called dermal pressure receptors on their lower jaw. These detect small pressure changes in the water, helping the animal find and capture prey.

Gharials (also called gavials)

Gharials can grow to a length of 4-5 metres long. The body looks almost exactly like that of an alligator, with its greenish skin, long pointed tail, and short stubby legs. However, the nose, or snout, is elongated and flattened, and has upper and lower jaws that are studded with sharp-edged teeth close together.

They are found in northern India, Pakistan and Burma (Myanmar) in freshwater rivers. They eat mostly fish, but do feed on any dead animals they find floating in the river.

They are the most critically endangered of the crocodilians. Their major threat is from humans as they expand their living areas and fish the rivers heavily.

If you use any part of this, write the source in your bibliography like this:
Thomas & Sydenham, Crocodilians. [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au (2008)

© [updated March 2008]