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What are Crocodilians?
They are large, aquatic reptiles. They are found in many places of the world in rivers, marshes and so on. Most get very large, the smallest are caimans that are a part of the alligator family.



  Alligators
Alligators and Caimans have a "U" shaped jaw and a rounded snout. The upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw, overlapping it, so the teeth in the lower jaw are hidden when the mouth is closed. Caiman are much smaller than Alligators. They are in the family: Alligatoridae.

Crocodiles
Crocodiles have a pointed "V" shaped jaw. Their upper and lower jaw is about the same shape, so the teeth in the upper jaw interlock with the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Crocodiles have functioning salt glands on the tongue; this makes them more tolerant to salt water. They are in the family: Crocodylidae.

Gharial
These are the most aquatic of the crocodilians, due to their stumpy legs. They have an extremely long snout. Their teeth are needle-like. Males have a nose knob, which they use to produce noises to repel rival males and serves as a warning system. They are in the family: Gavialidae.