There are two true species of alligators: the American alligator and
the Chinese alligator. The American alligator has four short legs, a broad, round snout, a long and powerful tail and a rough hide with scales. Adult males can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to half a ton, though on average, males are about 11 feet (3.4 m) long, while females are about 8 feet (2.6 m). American alligators have nostrils that face upward, which allows them to breathe when the rest of them is submerged underwater. Alligators feed on fish, turtles, snakes, birds and mammals, and will even
engage in the cannibalistic practice of eating other
alligators.
the Chinese alligator. The American alligator has four short legs, a broad, round snout, a long and powerful tail and a rough hide with scales. Adult males can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to half a ton, though on average, males are about 11 feet (3.4 m) long, while females are about 8 feet (2.6 m). American alligators have nostrils that face upward, which allows them to breathe when the rest of them is submerged underwater. Alligators feed on fish, turtles, snakes, birds and mammals, and will even
engage in the cannibalistic practice of eating other
alligators.