23 Crocodilian Species

There are 23 different species of crocodilian. Of those the breakdown of the species, not including sub-species are as follows:

Crocodile: American, Saltwater, Cuban, Freshwater, Mugger, Morelets, Nile, New Guinea, Philippine, Slender-snout, Orinoco, Siamese, Dwarf, False Gharial

Gharial: Gharial

Alligator: American, Chinese

Caiman: Spectacled, Broad Snout, Yacare, Black, Cuvier’s Dwarf, Smooth Front

All the caiman species and the two alligator species are associated most closely with the genus of alligatorids. But don't confuse them. Although the genus is the same, the animals themselves are very different. As a matter of fact, alligators are considered the absolute most docile of all crocodilians - not to say that alligators are docile!

Yet spectacled caiman are considered the third nastiest of all crocodilians, owing their third place finish, most notably, to their smaller size, when comparing them to the two nastiest species - salt water crocs and Nile crocs.

Zane Nehar put together a really good cladogram that looks at the real and hypothesized relationship of each grouping. It can be found here.

Thanks for this Bam, which species of caiman do you have at the moment?

Reptile Rescue Den wrote:

Thanks for this Bam, which species of caiman do you have at the moment?

Spectacled. (Yeah, I know...they're nasty - But they like me. Really.)

Oh I like a man who likes a challenge

Challenge is my middle name:

Bam Challenge CaimanHunter III