Alligator sinensis：Chinese alligator | Population, Habitat

Natural history Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis)The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) has a broader, shorter head than the American alligator (A. mississippiens), and, unlike the American species, it has a slightly upturned snout, small bony plates on the eyelids, and a belly covered with osteoderms (bony plates).(more)[1]

The Chinese alligator is the smallest alligator and one of the smallest crocodilians. Even though the largest adults can reach a maximum length of 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) and can weigh up to 45.4 kg (about 100 pounds), most are about 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) long and weigh less than 38.5 kg (85 pounds). The alligator’s top and sides are colored gray with faint yellowish markings, while its underside is lighter-colored. In contrast, the coloration[2] of hatchlings and juveniles[3] is more pronounced: the gray is broken up by several bright yellow bands on the body and tail. Besides being smaller than the American alligator—whose length ...