There are several species of crocodiles, which are divided into three families: Crocodylidae (true crocodiles), Alligatoridae (alligators and caimans), and Gavialidae (gharials). Here are some of the most well-known types of crocodiles:
True Crocodiles (Crocodylidae)
Alligators and Caimans (Alligatoridae)
Gharials (Gavialidae)
Note: There are other species of crocodiles as well, and this list is not exhaustive.
Learn to differentiate these reptiles: Alligator, Crocodile, Indian Gharial, False Gharial and Alligator.
True Crocodiles (Crocodylidae)
- Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus): found in sub-Saharan Africa
- Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): found in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the Pacific islands
- Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis): found in Southeast Asia
- American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus): found in Central and South America, and the Caribbean
Alligators and Caimans (Alligatoridae)
- American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis): found in the southeastern United States
- Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis): found in eastern China
- Caiman (Caiman spp.): found in Central and South America
- Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris): found in Central and South America
Gharials (Gavialidae)
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): found in India and Southeast Asia
Note: There are other species of crocodiles as well, and this list is not exhaustive.
Learn to differentiate these reptiles: Alligator, Crocodile, Indian Gharial, False Gharial and Alligator.