Is a caiman the same as a crocodile?

Caimans belong to the same family as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis); they’re more distantly related to crocodiles, which belong to a separate family under the order Crocodylia.

Which is bigger Alligator or caiman?

Caiman are smaller in size than alligators with an average weight of thirteen to 88 pounds. The largest species of caiman, the black caiman, however, can weigh a total of 2,400 pounds with a length of sixteen feet. These reptiles are usually almost black or dull olive in color.

Are caiman related to alligators or crocodiles?

caiman, also spelled cayman, any of several species of Central and South American reptiles that are related to alligators and are usually placed with them in the family Alligatoridae. Caimans, like all other members of the order Crocodylia (or Crocodilia), are amphibious carnivores.

Can an Alligator mate with a caiman?

Can a Alligator and a Caiman Mate? Though they look similar, alligators and caimans are distinct species. In nature, they would never come into contact with one another to mate. They are too different genetically to produce viable offspring.

Which is bigger alligator or crocodile or caiman?

Now, the physical differences can get a little tricky, especially because a full-grown caiman can be confused for a young alligator. However, crocodiles are usually the largest when it comes to overall size.

What are the 3 types of alligators?

Alligators are semi-aquatic, sharp-toothed reptiles (order: Crocodylia, family: Alligatoridae, genus: Alligator.) There are two known living species in the Alligator genus, the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis.)

Which is bigger crocodile or alligator or caiman?

However, crocodiles are usually the largest when it comes to overall size. Alligators and caimans both have a rounded, U-shaped snout and tend to have an overbite, while crocodiles have a V-shaped snout and no overbite.

Do caimans eat humans?

Black caimans have a broad diet, feeding on fish and other reptiles as well as rodents such as the capybara (which can grow as large as 4 feet [1.25 meters] long). Adult male black caimans often grow longer than 13 feet (about 4 meters); larger specimens have been known to attack people.

Is a caiman an alligator or a crocodile?

A caiman is an alligatorid crocodilian belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within Alligatoridae, the other being alligators.

Which is better alligator or crocodile?

Crocodiles have a longer, more V-shaped head then alligators. The fourth tooth of a crocodile sticks out when its mouth is closed. Crocodiles are better adapted to living in seawater. Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators. Crocodiles tend to have a lighter appearance than alligators.

Are caimans crocodiles or alligators?

Alligators and caimans belong to the same family, alligatoridae , whereas crocodiles belong to a different family, crocodylidae. Consequently alligators and caimans have more similarities to each other than either does to the crocodiles.

Are crocodiles more dangerous than alligators?

The Nile crocodile —four of which have been found in the state’s swamps since 2000—are more dangerous than the native crocodiles and alligators, scientists say. The second largest living crocodilian, the Nile can reach 20 feet (six meters) in length and take down everything from hippos to humans.