Is a Caiman a Crocodile or an Alligator? The Key Differences

 

Do you know the difference between a caiman and a crocodile? How about a gharial and an alligator? Don’t feel bad if you don’t know how to tell them apart. Millions of people are in the same boat.

People often get confused about caimans, crocodiles, and alligators. They have similar appearances and habitats. Interestingly, the three belong to different families within the Crocodylia order. Each one has unique characteristics that set them apart from the others.

So is a caiman a crocodile or an alligator? It’s a question many people ask. The short answer is neither. The caiman is not a crocodile or a gator. It has a closer relation to alligators than crocodiles though. Caimans belong to the Caimaninae subfamily. They’re part of the Alligatoridae family, which alligators belong to.

Caimans look like they’re one of the types of alligators seen in zoos. But they also share some traits with crocodiles. Let’s look at the key differences between caimans, crocodiles, and alligators. You can understand where the caiman fits in the reptile world if you look at its classification.  

Caimans belong to the Crocodylia order, which includes all caimans, alligators, and crocodiles. It’s part of the Alligatoridae family. Caimans fall under the subfamily Caimaninae. They belong to the genus Caiman. What’s the takeaway? Caimans are close relatives to the alligators. Both have distinct features that differentiate them.

Caimans, crocodiles, and alligators have distinct traits that make identification easier. Caimans have a shorter, broader, and more U-shaped snout.

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