Difference between Alligator and Caiman
Introduction:
Reptiles are a large part of the animal kingdom that fall in carnivores’ categories. Reptiles have rough skin. Some reptiles live on the ground like lizards and snakes while some tend to live underwater like crocodiles and alligators. However, some reptiles are not harmful to us like a turtle.
The breathing mechanism of reptiles includes lungs which dry out if oxygen is not provided. In the family of reptiles, there is one which is known as a crocodile. It is a carnivorous animal with pointed teeth and sharp instincts. They live underwater but come out if they like.
There are a few types of crocodiles such as Alligator and Caiman. Both of these creatures belong to the same group of animals however some distinct properties differentiate both of the species. In this article, we will see some features along with the difference between alligators and caiman.
Alligator:
Alligators have dark color skin tones. It is usually seen in dark grey, dark olive, or black color. An adult Alligator is 13 feet long with a weight of 790 pounds. Alligators are further divided into two categories one is American Alligator and the other is Chinese Alligator.
In America, Alligators are found in:
- Georgia
- Florida
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma.
In China, Alligators are found in:
- Yangtze River valley
- And surrounding provinces.
The areas containing ponds, lakes, swamplands, and mud are converted into the habitat of Alligators. The alligator in the completely grown stage preys on turtles, fish, deer, and birds. The skin of an Alligator is used for the manufacturing of shoes, purses, luggage bags, belts, and other leather products. In some countries, Alligators are used as the main ingredient in the dishes like sausages, gumbo, and deep-fried Alligator tail.
Caiman:
Caiman, on the other hand, are smaller in size than crocodiles with an approximate weight of 88 pounds. The biggest type of caiman, the dark caiman, notwithstanding, can gain weight of 2,400 pounds with a length of 16 feet. These reptiles are typically practically dark or dull olive in shading.
Caimans are local to an assortment of nations in Central and South America including
- Mexico.
- Brazil.
- Peru.
- Panama.
- Colombia.
- Costa Rica.
- Nicaragua.
- Ecuador.
- Honduras.
- El Salvador.
- French Guiana.
- Guatemala.
- Guyana.
- Suriname.
- Venezuela.
- Trinidad.
- Tobago.
Caimans regularly travel in combined groups and are known to be more forceful than alligators. They spend their lives in freshwater or at times saltwater conditions like swamps, bogs, lakes, waterways, and lakes. Their eating routine is comprised of a wide exhibit of water and land creatures including mollusks, fish, snails, snakes, birds, and grouped vertebrates.
Like crocs, caimans might be kept in bondage in zoos and safari parks. In contrast to their reptile family members, be that as it may, a few smaller types of these creatures, specifically, the Cuvier's dwarf caiman, have become to some degree famous as fascinating homegrown pets.
Difference between Alligator and Caiman:
The key difference between Alligator and Caiman is as follows:
|
Characteristics for Differentiation |
Alligator |
Caiman |
|
Found in |
It is found in North America and Asia specifically China. |
It is found in South and Central America. |
|
Weight |
It has an average weight of 790 pounds. |
It has an average weight of 88 pounds. |
|
Length |
It has a length of 13 ft. |
It has a length of 8.5 ft. |
|
Color |
It is found in black to brownish color. |
It is found in brown color. |
|
Skin/Scales |
It has soft skin which is why it is used to manufacture shoes and bags. |
It has ventral armor of overlapping bony plates. |
|
Snout |
It has a short and wider snout. |
It has a slender and long snout. |
|
Teeth |
Its teeth are wide and large. |
It has a narrow set of teeth. |
Conclusion:
It is hard to see the difference between alligators and caiman for a common, inexperienced person but the people who are in regular contact with these animals can easily figure out the main difference. There are distinct features such as size, weight, color, and skin that can make these two reptiles dissimilar. After reading this article, the reader would be able to understand the facts about alligators and caiman along with key differences between them.
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