American crocodile size compared to ALLIGATOR

American Crocodile Size Explained & Compared With Others

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar

American Crocodile Length

American Crocodile Size

The American crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus) is a species of crocodilian found primarily in the tropical regions of the Americas. They are found in coastal areas, swamps, and rivers from southern Florida to northern South America. These species of crocodiles can easily be distinguished by their large size.

In terms of their length, the American crocodile can grow up to 15-20 feet in length making it one of the largest crocodilian species in the world. Adult males tend to be larger than females and can reach lengths up to 4 m (13.1 ft). The females, however, are typically smaller, reaching lengths of up to 3 m (9.8 ft).

Additionally, the record length of an American crocodile is 20.24 feet, it was caught in Costa Rica in 1974. The largest American crocodile ever recorded in captivity is 18 feet long and was kept in a zoo in the United States.

American Crocodile LengthMeter Feet
Average length Male: 2.9 to 4 m
Female: 2.5 to 3 m 
Male: 9.6 ft to 13.1 ft
Female: 8.2 ft to 9.8 ft
Maximum length 6.1 m 20.24 feet

American Crocodile Weight

In addition to their impressive length, American crocodiles also have a significant weight. The weight of an American crocodile can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, sex, and overall health. 

Juvenile crocodiles, for example, will weigh significantly less than adults. Additionally, crocodiles that are in poor health or have been affected by the disease may weigh less than those that are healthy.

Adult males can weigh up to 382 kg (842 lb), while females typically weigh around 173 kg (381 lb). The record weight of the species is somewhere about 907 kg (2,000 lb). This makes them one of the heaviest crocodilian species in the world.

American Crocodile LengthKilograms Pounds 
Average weight Male: up to 382 kg
Female: up to 173 kg 
Male: 842 lb
Female: 381 lb
Maximum Weight 907 kg2,000 lb

Baby American Crocodile Size

Baby American crocodiles are much smaller than adult crocodiles. Despite their small size, baby American crocodiles are born with a strong survival instinct and are able to fend for themselves from the moment they hatch.

Baby American crocodiles, also known as hatchlings, grow rapidly in the first few years of their life. 

They can grow up to a foot in length in their first year and can double their length in the first two years. 

They also gain weight quickly, reaching around 10-20 pounds by their first year. And, it takes about 8-10 years for an American crocodile to reach its maximum size.

As they grow, American crocodiles develop harder and thicker skin and their snout starts to become more pointed, distinguishing them from alligators. 1

American Crocodile Teeth & Tail Size

While the size of an American crocodile is certainly impressive, it is not the only defining characteristic of this species. Another important aspect of the American crocodile is its teeth and tail.

American crocodiles have around 64-68 teeth in their mouths with a length of more than 4 inches. These teeth are sharp and pointed, which allows the crocodile to effectively capture and kill its prey. 

The teeth are also constantly replaced throughout the crocodile’s life, with new teeth growing in to replace any that are lost or broken.

The tail of an American crocodile is also an important aspect of its anatomy. The tail is long and powerful with a length of 7 to 7.5 feet and is used for propulsion in the water. The tail is also used as a weapon, with the crocodile able to deliver powerful strikes to potential predators or prey.

American Crocodile Teeth sizeTail size 
4 inches7 to 7.5 feet

American Crocodile Size Comparison To Human

American Crocodile Size compared to human

While American crocodiles are certainly impressive animals, it’s important to remember that they are also quite large when compared to other species such as humans. 

The average adult American crocodile can reach lengths of 4.5 – 6 m (15-20 feet) and weigh up to 400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.). 

This is significantly larger than the average human, who typically stands around 5.5 to 5.9 feet tall and weighs around 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs).

When compared to a human, an American crocodile is roughly 3-4 times longer and 10-15 times heavier. This size difference is quite significant and illustrates just how powerful and imposing these animals can be.

Animal type  Height Weight 
American Crocodile2.9 to 4 m (9-13 feet)400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.)
Average adult human 5.5 to 5.9 feet132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs)

American Crocodile Vs American Alligator Size Comparison

American Crocodile Size compared to Alligator

While American crocodiles and American alligators are often thought of as similar animals, there are some key differences in size and appearance between the two species.

If we talk about the difference in size, the American crocodile can grow up to 2.9 to 4 m (9-13 feet) in length and weigh up to 400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.), making it one of the largest crocodilian species in the world. 

The American alligator, on the other hand, typically grows to around 2.6-3.4 m (8.2-11.2) ft) in length and weighs around 453 kg (999 lb). This means that the American crocodile is generally larger and heavier than the American alligator.

Animal type  Height Weight 
American Crocodile2.9 to 4 m (9-13 feet)400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.)
American alligator 2.6-3.4 m (8.2-11.2 ft)453 kg (999 lb)

American Crocodile Vs Saltwater Crocodile Size Comparison

When it comes to size, the American crocodile and the saltwater crocodile are like comparing a hatchback to a pickup truck. While both species belong to the crocodilian family and have a similar appearance, the difference in size between these two crocodiles is quite significant.

Adult American crocodiles typically grow to around 2.9 to 4 m (9-13 feet) in length and 400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.) in weight. They have a relatively narrow snout and a greenish-gray coloration. 

On the other hand, the saltwater crocodile can grow to be much larger, reaching sizes of up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length and 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg) in weight or even longer, making it one of the largest reptile species in the world. They have a broader snout and a more yellowish-brown coloration.

Animal type  Height Weight 
American Crocodile2.9 to 4 m (9-13 feet)400-500 kg (882-1102 lbs.)
Saltwater crocodileMale: 3.5 to 6 m (11-20 ft)

Female: 2.7 to 3.1 m (8-10 feet)
Male: 2,205 pounds (1,000 kg)
Female: 330 pounds (150 kg)

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of American Crocodile. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

Related Articles You May Like

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top