American alligator: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	Alligator mississippiensis • Mississippi alligator

Photos

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) resting on a log surrounded by green plants at the edge of a body of water in Florida.

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

An American alligator rests with its head and front legs on a log in a reflective, green pond at Homosassa Springs State Park, Florida.

Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Illustration of a Mississippi or American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) with its mouth open, showing a broad snout, armored body, and thick tail, alongside a scale bar for size reference.

Top view illustration comparing the broad, U-shaped head of an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) with the narrower, V-shaped head of a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

Side-by-side illustration comparing the heads of an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from a side view, highlighting differences in snout shape and structure.

See All Images →

Topics

Are black caimans larger than alligators?apex predator alligator Chinese alligator How long can alligators live?Is an alligator a reptile?How fast are alligators?What’s the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?