Crocodylidae
Quick Summary
Crocodylidae is the family of true crocodiles, a group of large, amphibious, carnivorous reptiles belonging to the order Crocodylia. These animals are characterized by powerful jaws, conical teeth, short legs with webbed toes, and a long, muscular tail. They possess a unique body structure that allows their eyes, ears, and nostrils to remain above water while the rest of their body is submerged.1
True crocodiles are distinguished from alligators and caimans by their narrow, V-shaped snout and the fact that some teeth in their lower jaw are visible when their mouth is closed. They are found primarily in the humid tropics of both hemispheres. While many species have faced population declines due to habitat loss and hunting, conservation efforts have led to recovery for some.234
- crocodile - Annotated classification
- crocodile
- What’s the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?
- crocodile - Distribution and abundance
- crocodile - Paleontology
- crocodile - Size range and diversity of structure
- West African crocodile
- crocodile - Distinguishing taxonomic features
- crocodile - Ecology
- estuarine crocodile
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.
East African lakesPlant and animal life…those of Lake Kivu; the crocodile is also widespread, although absent from Lakes Edward, George, and Kivu, each of which is sheltered from the spread of this reptile by falls in the outflow river, with cool mountain torrents and sunless forest as additional deterrents. Traditionally there has been an inverse…
Read More…those of Lake Kivu; the crocodile is also widespread, although absent from Lakes Edward, George, and Kivu, each of which is sheltered from the spread of this reptile by falls in the outflow river, with cool mountain torrents and sunless forest as additional deterrents. Traditionally there has been an inverse…
Read More
IndiaReptiles, fish, and insectsCrocodiles inhabit the country’s rivers, swamps, and lakes. The estuarine crocodile (Crocodilus porosus)—once attaining a maximum length of 30 feet (9 meters), though specimens exceeding 20 feet (6 meters) are now rare—usually lives on the fish, birds, and crabs of muddy deltaic regions. The long-snouted…
Read MoreCrocodiles inhabit the country’s rivers, swamps, and lakes. The estuarine crocodile (Crocodilus porosus)—once attaining a maximum length of 30 feet (9 meters), though specimens exceeding 20 feet (6 meters) are now rare—usually lives on the fish, birds, and crabs of muddy deltaic regions. The long-snouted…
Read More
Zambezi RiverAnimal lifeCrocodiles abound in the Zambezi, though they generally avoid stretches of fast-running water. Hippopotamuses are also found in the upper and lower stretches of the Zambezi.
Read MoreCrocodiles abound in the Zambezi, though they generally avoid stretches of fast-running water. Hippopotamuses are also found in the upper and lower stretches of the Zambezi.
Read More