Crocodiles are generally known to have more narrowed, V-shaped snouts as opposed to the broader, U-shaped snouts of the alligatorids. However, some are more slender while others can have wider and robust shaped heads.

Teeth from the upper and lower jaws interlock and teeth from the lower jaw are visible when the animal’s mouth is closed, unlike alligators and caimans. Specifically, the fourth tooth in the lower jaw is not concealed in a sock et in the upper jaw, but instead it is prominent when the animal’s mouth is closed.

Crocodiles also have one nostril pad containing two nostril slits, with no fleshy division. There is no bony division of the nostrils even in the skull.