Key Identification Features
- Characteristics: The Orinoco crocodile, Crocodylus intermedius, can be identified by its relatively long, narrow snout, which is narrower than the snout of the similar-looking American crocodile.
- This species generally has a pale tan hide, though at least three distinct coloration variations are known: some individuals are almost completely yellowish, while others are dark brownish-gray.
- A population of long-term cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles is known from western Gabon, which forms a distinct isolated genetic group.
- Further study of specimens and their molecular sequences confirmed that the two Mecistops species are distinct, and each occupies a separate hydrological zone.
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