Main Characteristics

Chinese Alligators are one of only two species of alligator, the other being the american alligator. They have a body length of approximately 1.5 m (5 ft) and they weigh up to 40 kgs (88 lbs).

Habitat

Chinese Alligators prefer slow moving freshwater habitats and they are restricted to areas around the lower Yangtze river in China.

Diet

Chinese Alligators mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates and fish, but they will take prey such as birds and rodents if they are available.

Breeding

Chinese Alligators lay 10 - 40 eggs in a nest made of mud and vegetation. The female remains close to the nest and after a 70 day incubation period the eggs hatch and the young alligators emit a high pitched croaking noise.

The female quickly digs out the youngsters and they remain with their mother throughout their first winter.

Chinese Alligators reach sexual maturity between 5 and 7 years of age.

Predators

Humans are the only predators of adult Chinese Alligators, but youngsters and eggs are preyed upon by large birds, large fish and other alligators.

Interesting Facts

Chinese Alligators are also known as:
Yangtze Alligator
China Alligator
Tou Lung
Yow Lung
T'o

Chinese Alligators have an average life expectancy of 50 years in the wild and 70 years in captivity.

Similar Animals

American Alligator