The first and the foremost difference between crocodile and alligator is that these both reptiles come from different crocodilian families. Crocodiles are from crocodylidae family, and alligators are from alligatoridae family.

Speaking to this external difference, the crocodile comes with a long, slender and V-shaped snout, whereas the snout of alligator is broader and U-shaped. Because of this broad snout, the alligator can eat preys like turtles. Whereas the slender crocodile snout even though very powerful, is not actually suited to eat preys like turtles but this powerful reptile versatile for mammals and fish.

The teeth of crocodiles and alligators can be one of the most significant physical differences they have. Both jaws of crocodiles have same sized teeth which are arranged in interlocking pattern. This pattern remain the same even the crocodile’s mouth is closed. While in the case of alligator, its upper jaw is wider than lower jaw, so the teeth in the upper jaw covers the lower jaw and it is in a hidden form when the mouth is not open. Only the upper jaw’s teeth are out in the open along the line of the lower jaw.

The color of their external skin also makes a difference in them; crocodiles are lighter olive brown in color, whereas alligators are blackish in color.

Both the alligators and crocodiles have some glands on the tongues. The crocodiles have these glands for excreting excess salt from their body whereas in the case of alligators, they didn’t use this gland as they don’t have this ability.

Generally, alligators are docile when compared to fast-growing saltwater crocodiles. The crocodiles grow better and larger. But every rule has its own some exceptions and in this case, there are some alligators which grow up to 14 feet and some crocodile species that are dwarf for example, Indian mugger crocodile.