What is the scientific name for a crocodile?
Quick Answer
Crocodiles belong to the family of Crocodylidae and there are 14 different species of crocodiles, including a false gharial, with their own scientific names. Among the most common and recognizable crocodiles are the Crocodylus niloticus, better known as the Nile crocodile, and the Crocodylus porosus, or saltwater crocodile.
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Full Answer
Different species of crocodiles range in size between 5 feet and 20 feet. Crocodiles can be distinguished from alligators and caimans because of the large fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw of the crocodile that shows even when their mouths are closed.
Other crocodile species include the American crocodile, or Crocodylus acutus; slender-snouted crocodile, Crocodylus cataphractus; Orinoco crocodile, or Crocodylus intermedius; Philippine crocodile, or Crocodylus mindorensis; Australian freshwater crocodile, or Crocodylus johnstoni; mugger, or Crocodylus palustris; and the false gharial, or Tomistoma schlegelii.
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