American Alligator

Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis
Common Names: American Alligator, Mississippi Alligator

Maximum adult length: 4 metres (13.1 feet)

N.B. Exceptionally large specimens can be found in all species of crocodilian.

The American alligator is native to the southeastern United States. Though often confused with various crocodile species, the American alligator can be distinguished by its rounded snout, and by the fact that when the jaws are closed, none of the lower teeth are visible. The average length for an adult female is around 3 metres (9.8 feet), and for a male 3.4 to 4.6 metres (11.1 to 15 feet). They prefer slow moving relatively deep water. This species does not have a salt gland, but they can tolerate salt water for brief periods.