Alligatoridae
Quick Summary
The family Alligatoridae comprises eight living species of reptiles, commonly known as alligators and caimans. These large, carnivorous animals are characterized by their powerful tails, U-shaped snouts, and a jaw structure where the lower teeth fit inside the upper jaw when the mouth is closed.123
The two species of alligators are the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis). American alligators are found in the southeastern United States and can reach lengths of up to 4.5 meters (15 feet), though they typically range from 3 to 3.4 meters (9.8 to 11.1 feet). Chinese alligators are much smaller, with a maximum length of about 2.1 meters (7 feet), and are critically endangered.34
Black caimans (Melanosuchus niger) are the largest members of the Alligatoridae family, found in the Amazon River basin. They can reach lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet) and weigh over 400 kg (882 pounds), making them larger than American alligators. Alligators typically inhabit freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and swamps, and often dig burrows for shelter.53
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
