Reptile Watch 101: How Many Crocodile Species Are There?

Crocodiles are one of the most ancient and powerful reptiles. They have been roaming the Earth for over 200 million years. That’s a clear testament to their power and adaptability. These fierce predators are part of the Crocodylidae family. Crocodiles are famous for their massive jaws, armored bodies, and unmatched hunting skills.

Many people are familiar with saltwater crocodiles thanks to movies like Lake Placid. But there are other types of crocodiles.

How many crocodile species are there? There are 14 species recognized as true crocodiles. There are other sub-species, like the spectacled caiman. But scientists say they’re among the different types of alligators

You can find true crocodiles across Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Let’s take a quick look at the different crocodile types.

Saltwater Crocodile AKA Crocodylus porosus

The saltwater or marine crocodile is the fiercest on the planet. It can grow up to 23 feet or 7 meters long. You can find this reptile in Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. The saltwater croc can survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They thrive in coastal areas, rivers, and swamps.

Nile Crocodile AKA Crocodylus niloticus

The Nile crocodile is a large beast. It clocks in at 20 feet or 6 meters and is second in size to the saltwater croc. The Nile crocodile is a native of Africa’s rivers, lakes, and marshes. It can live in saline waters but isn’t often found in these habitats.

The Nile crocodile is also one of the most aggressive crocodiles around. It’s responsible for many attacks on humans. 

American Crocodile AKA Crocodylus acutus

You can find this species all over the Americas. There’s a large population in the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It also thrives in Southern Florida. This crocodile inhabits coastal brackish waters, rivers, and lagoons. It grows up to 16 feet or 5 meters long.

Morelet’s Crocodile AKA Crocodylus moreletii

This medium-sized reptile clocks in at around 10 feet or 3 meters. It lives in freshwater lakes, swamps, and rivers of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This reptile has a broad snout and dark grey skin.

Orinoco Crocodile AKA Crocodylus intermedius

The Orinoco crocodile is one of the most endangered species, with less than 1,500 left. It’s the largest crocodile in the Americas and grows up to 16 feet or 5 meters. You can find the remaining Orinocos in the rivers of Colombia and Venezuela.

Cuban Crocodile AKA Crocodylus rhombifer

The Cuban crocodile is the epitome of small but terrible. It grows up to 11 feet or 3.5 meters and is quite aggressive. It’s also a very active crocodile with a strong jumping ability. It’s native to Cuba and lives in freshwater swamps.

Mugger Crocodile AKA Crocodylus palustris 

Muggers have the broadest snout of all crocodiles. They grow up to 15 feet or 4.5 meters. They’re found in the rivers and lakes of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. You can also find them basking near temples.

Philippine Crocodile AKA Crocodylus mindorensis 

Only 250 Philippine crocodiles are left, making them one of the rarest reptiles. They live in the freshwater rivers of the Philippines.

Siamese Crocodile AKA Crocodylus siamensis 

There used to be a lot of Siamese crocodiles but they’re now endangered. These reptiles can reach 13 feet or 4 meters. They live in the rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia.

West African Crocodile AKA Crocodylus suchus 

The West African crocodile is like a Nile crocodile with a calmer temperament. It can grow 16 feet or 5 meters long. This species lives in the rivers and lakes of West and Central Africa.

Dwarf Crocodile AKA Osteolaemus tetraspis

The dwarf crocodile is the smallest of the species. It comes in at 5 feet or 1.5 meters. These reptiles live in the rainforest swamps of West Africa.

False Gharial AKA Tomistoma schlegelii

The false gharial has a long thin snout akin to other gharials. It’s classified as a true crocodile though. It grows up to 16 feet or 5 meters long. You have to travel to Indonesia or Malaysia if you want to see the false gharial.

Slender-snouted crocodile AKA Mecistops cataphractus

The slender-snouted croc has the narrowest snouts among crocodiles. They’re around 13 feet or 4 meters long. They live in the rivers and swamps of Central and West Africa.

Central African Slender-Snouted Crocodile AKA Mecistops leptorhynchus

Scientists separated this species from its West African counterpart due to genetic differences.

Experience the Thrill of the Wild

Do you want to see alligators and crocodiles up close? Hop aboard a Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures tour to see them in their natural habitat. You’ll feel the rush as you glide through Florida’s breathtaking swamps. Join us for an hour-long unforgettable adventure. Book here or call 352-643-0708.