When people are then asked what color an alligator is, many would say it’s green. It’s not surprising that this is the color often associated with this fearsome reptile. After all, most representations of alligators are green.
The emblem of the popular Lacoste shirt is green. The dancing gator in Disney’s Fantasia and Peter Pan’s Tick Tock has a greenish hue. Everyone’s favorite Alligator Loki is also grayish green. But in real life, alligators are not green.
Ending the Mystery
So what color is an alligator? It’s blackish-grey. The alligator mississippiensis is the alligator’s scientific name. It has a darker color than the crocodile. To be fair, not all gators are dark green or grey bordering on black. Some gators are olive-colored or tan.
Like every animal, the alligator’s color depends on its environment. it’s often greyish black so it can blend better in the muddy swamps and marshes of Florida.
Gators that make their homes in watering holes overrun with algae will become olive or green. It’s also possible that they look green to people because they’re covered in duckweed. Alligators that live in swamps with a lot of trees can turn tan or dark brown. The color can be due to the tannins from the wood. They penetrate the water and cover everything with this hue.
Alligators are not all black, grey, or olive though. These animals have a creamy underbelly. Hatchlings and young gators also have a stripe running down the length of their bodies.
What about its larger cousin? Crocodiles often have brown or tan bodies. Like gators, these colors have a purpose. It helps crocodiles evade their predators and hide from their prey. They’re hard to see when they’re submerged.
Ethereal in White
It’s become established that alligators have dark scales and light underbellies. But there are a select few that have broken that mold. These are the white alligators.
White alligators are the same as their dark-hued brethren. Except for the fact that they have white skin that’s almost translucent. Their eyes are also a deep blue with some pigmentation. This type of alligator has a condition called leucism. This condition leads to lower pigmentation in the animal. Reptiles, birds, and other mammals can develop this.
Animals with this condition are pale all over. Some have patches wherein their coloring is often reduced or becomes so pale. This is a genetic mutation. It stops melanin from forming in the skin, hair, or feathers. This is different from albinism. Humans and animals with this condition have no pigmentation whatsoever. The pupils are also pink. There are a couple of albino gators in Florida though.
White alligators are rare. There’s already a one-in-a-million chance of an alligator being born white. But this condition also leaves young alligators without the means to hide. Their coloring will stick out in the swamp or lakes. It makes them vulnerable to predators. It’s why white gators in zoos are more prized than ever before.
Despite their differences in coloring, white gators are the same as ordinary alligators. Ask any school child “what does an alligator look like?” Their description will match both the white and grey colored gators. They’ll both eat small fish and birds. They also have thousands of sharp teeth. Their tails are long and can break bones. Meanwhile, their legs are short and stubby.
Getting to Know the Gator
There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding Florida’s state reptile. You can uncover some of them when you go on a tour with Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Our company is one of the most famous airboat operators in the Sunshine State. We’re based near unforgettable Lake Panasoffkee. Our tours are educational and exciting. It’s also very safe. All tours are always handled by the esteemed Captain Ron. Buzz us at 352-643-0708 if you want to look for gators and ibis. You can also book a tour online here.
