<P> Crocodylus floridanus is now considered an invalid junior synonym of C. acutus . </P> <P> Like all true crocodilians, the American crocodile is a quadruped, with four short, stocky legs, a long, powerful tail and a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail . Its snout is elongated and includes a strong pair of jaws . Its eyes have nictitating membranes for protection along with lacrimal glands, which produce tears . </P> <P> The nostrils, eyes, and ears are situated on the top of its head, so the rest of the body can be concealed underwater for surprise attacks . Camouflage also helps it prey on food . The snout is relatively longer and narrower than that of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), although broader on average than that of the Orinoco crocodile (C. intermedius). American crocodiles are also paler and more grayish than the relatively dark - hued American alligator . This crocodile species normally crawls on its belly, but it can also "high walk". Larger specimens can charge up to nearly 10 mph (16 km / h). They can swim at as much as 20 mph (32 km / h) by moving their bodies and tails in a sinuous fashion, but they cannot sustain this speed . </P> <P> The American crocodile is sometimes confused with the smaller, Central American Morelet's crocodile, a smaller species that is native to Mexico . </P>

What is the range of the american crocodile