The American Crocodile is a large reptile found in parts of the Americas, mainly in the coastal areas of Southern Florida, Central America and the Northern parts of South America.
It has a V-shaped snout and a relatively lighter build compared to other crocodile species.
They are known for their adaptability to saltwater habitats and primarily inhabit brackish and saltwater environments such as mangrove swamps and estuaries.
American Crocodile Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the American Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylidae. This is the family of True Crocodiles native to the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world.
These Crocodiles can be found in places such as Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
There are currently 3 recognised genera and a total of 18 recognised species in this family.
There are more species in the Crocodilia Sub-Family such as Alligators and Caiman but these species aren’t considered ‘True Crocodiles’.
The most obvious external differences are visible in the head, with Crocodiles having narrower and longer heads, with a more V-shaped than a U-shaped snout compared to Alligators and Caimans.
Genus
The genus that the American Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylus. While some sources consider the 3 genera of Crocodylidae as ‘True Crocodiles’, the species in this genus really are the ‘True Crocodile’ species.
There are currently 13 recognised species in this genus and a few recognised sub-species. There are also 5 extinct species in the genus.
The Crocodylus genus likely originated from Africa with species spreading towards South-East Asia and the Americas. However, some scientists believe their roots can be traced to Asia and Australia.
Species
The scientific name for the American Crocodile is Crocodylus acutus and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1807 by a French naturalist named Georges Cuvier.
American Crocodile Description
The American Crocodile is a large species of crocodile with adult males reaching lengths of around 13 to 16 feet, while females are usually smaller, around 9 to 12 feet.
They have a pale olive-green to greyish-brown coloration, which helps them blend into their aquatic habitats. Juveniles are often lighter in color than adults.
The most noticeable feature is their long and V-shaped snout, which is more pointed compared to the broader, U-shaped snout of the American Alligator.
This snout shape is adapted for catching fish and other prey in aquatic environments.
The upper and lower jaws of American Crocodile has a notable interlocking pattern, which helps prevent prey from escaping once caught. Their teeth are visible even when their mouths are closed.
Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on the top of their head, allowing them to see and breathe while mostly submerged in water.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The American Crocodile can be found in the coastal and brackish water habitats ranging from South Florida to the Northern parts of South America.
In Florida, these crocodiles can be found in the Everglades and surrounding areas. They inhabit coastal mangroves, estuaries, and other brackish water environments.
In Central America they can be found along the coasts and river systems of countries like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Their range extends into the Northern coastal areas of South America in places such as Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and parts of Brazil.
The American Crocodile is most commonly found in mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons, brackish marshes and river mouths.
They prefer these habitats because they offer a mix of freshwater and saltwater, which suits their semi-aquatic lifestyle.
American Crocodile Behaviour
The American Crocodile is well-adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
They spend a significant amount of time in the water, where they hunt for prey and regulate their body temperature.
However, they also bask in the sun on the shore or riverbanks to warm up.
These crocodiles are generally more active during the night. They are skilled nocturnal hunters, using the cover of darkness to approach prey more stealthily.
The American Crocodile is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, crustaceans, birds, and mammals.
They often lie in wait near the water’s edge and use their powerful jaws to snatch their prey when it comes close.
These crocodiles are territorial animals, especially during the breeding season.
They establish territories to access mating partners and resources. Males may engage in displays to deter other males from their territory.
