The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a prominent reptile species and the most widespread crocodilian in the Western Hemisphere, found across a wide range in the Americas and inhabiting the Neotropics. Its natural distribution extends from southern Florida, across various Caribbean islands including Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, and along the coastal regions of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, reaching as far south as Peru and Ecuador. These crocodiles primarily reside in coastal environments, preferring brackish water habitats such as mangrove swamps, lagoons, and river mouths. Their tolerance to saltwater allows them to inhabit cays and small islands without freshwater sources. While typically associated with saline conditions, American crocodiles can also venture into freshwater river systems and occasionally inland areas.
Typical Dimensions
American crocodiles exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males growing larger than females. An average adult male measures around 4 meters (13 feet) in length and weighs approximately 382 kilograms (840 pounds). Mature males range from 2.9 to 4.1 meters (9 feet 6 inches to 13 feet 5 inches), with some reaching up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds).
Adult female American crocodiles are smaller, averaging about 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length. Females are also significantly lighter, averaging no more than 173 kilograms (380 pounds). Females rarely exceed 3.8 meters (12 feet 6 inches). In Florida, adult males do not surpass 4.2 meters (14 feet), while females are generally between 2.4 to 3.7 meters (8 to 12 feet) long.
Exceptional Giants
The American crocodile can occasionally reach impressive dimensions. Males have been reported to exceed 6 meters (20 feet) in length, though such large individuals are uncommon. Unconfirmed reports suggest the existence of males reaching up to 7 meters (23 feet), particularly in South America.
Specimens measuring 5 meters (15.4 feet) or more and weighing between 400 to 500 kilograms (882 to 1102 pounds) have been observed in various habitats across South and Central America. A group of crocodiles in Costa Rica’s Tárcoles River, which are regularly fed by tourists, frequently exceed 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length. Some South American river basins are known to harbor adult males reaching about 6 meters (20 feet), with these individuals often weighing over 1000 kilograms (2,204 pounds). The largest recorded female American crocodile measured 4.4 meters (14 feet 5 inches) and weighed 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds).
Size Comparison with Relatives
Comparing the American crocodile to other crocodilian species helps illustrate its size. The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), found in the Indo-Pacific, holds the record as the largest living reptile. Adult male saltwater crocodiles average 4 to 5 meters (13.2 to 16.5 feet) in length and weigh between 408 to 770 kilograms (900 to 1700 pounds), with some reaching over 7 meters (23 feet). Saltwater crocodiles are larger and more robust than American crocodiles, with their males being more massive.
The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), native to Africa, is larger than its American counterpart. Average Nile crocodiles measure 2.7 to 4.6 meters (9 to 15 feet) in length and weigh 227 to 413 kilograms (500 to 910 pounds). Some exceptional Nile crocodiles have been recorded at 6.4 meters (21 feet) and over 1089 kilograms (2,400 pounds).
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), which coexists with the American crocodile in parts of Florida, is smaller. An average American alligator ranges from 2.4 to 3.4 meters (8 to 11 feet) in length and weighs 181 to 363 kilograms (400 to 800 pounds). While large male alligators can reach up to 4.6 meters (15 feet 1 inch) and 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), the American crocodile has the potential to grow larger overall.