Crocodile vs. Octopus — What's the Difference?

A creature with tough, scaly skin.

A creature known for its intelligence and problem-solving skills.

An animal known for its patience while hunting.

A marine animal with a bulbous head and eight arms.

A large aquatic reptile with a long snout and strong jaws.

A delicacy in various cuisines around the world.

Symbolic of danger or treachery in various cultures.

Octopus (pl. octopuses, see below for variants) are soft-bodied, eight-limbed molluscs of the order Octopoda (, ok-TOP-ə-də).

Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae), the gharial and false gharial (family Gavialidae), and all other living and fossil Crocodylomorpha.

Any of various carnivorous marine cephalopod mollusks chiefly of the family Octopodidae, having a soft body, eight arms with suckers, a large distinct head, and a mouth with a strong beak.

Any of various large aquatic reptiles of the family Crocodylidae that are native to tropical and subtropical regions and have thick, armorlike skin and long tapering jaws.

Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches.

A crocodilian reptile, such as an alligator, caiman, or gharial.

Any of several marine molluscs of the family Octopodidae, having no internal or external protective shell or bone (unlike the nautilus, squid and cuttlefish) and eight arms each covered with suckers.

Leather made from crocodile skin.

(uncountable) The flesh of these marine molluscs eaten as food.

Chiefly British A line of people, especially pupils or choir members, standing two abreast.

An organization that has many powerful branches controlled from the centre.

Any of the predatory amphibious reptiles of the family Crocodylidae; (loosely) a crocodilian, any species of the order Crocodilia, which also includes the alligators, caimans and gavials.

To put (or attempt to put) one's fingers, hands or arms in many things or places at roughly the same time.

A long line or procession of people (especially children) walking together.

To spread out in long arms or legs in many directions.

(logic) A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile.

To plug a large number of devices into a single electric outlet.

(intransitive) To speak one's native language at an Esperanto-language gathering, rather than Esperanto.

(by extension) To grow in use vastly beyond what was originally intended.

A large reptile of the genus Crocodilus, of several species. They grow to the length of sixteen or eighteen feet, and inhabit the large rivers of Africa, Asia, and America. The eggs, laid in the sand, are hatched by the sun's heat. The best known species is that of the Nile (Crocodilus vulgaris, or Crocodilus Niloticus). The Florida crocodile (Crocodilus Americanus) is much less common than the alligator and has longer jaws. The name is also sometimes applied to the species of other related genera, as the gavial and the alligator.

To hunt and catch octopuses.

A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile.

To behave like an octopus.

Large voracious aquatic reptile having a long snout with massive jaws and sharp teeth and a body covered with bony plates; of sluggish tropical waters

A genus of eight-armed cephalopods, including numerous species, some of them of large size. See Devilfish.

A term sometimes used for leather made from its hide.

Any member of the genus Octopus.

Something resembling an octopus in having numerous controlling arms or branches that reach widely and influence many activities; - used mostly of organizations, such as diversified corporations.

Tentacles of octopus prepared as food

Bottom-living cephalopod having a soft oval body with eight long tentacles

Used metaphorically to represent something with multiple facets or extensions.

Symbolic of versatility or multitasking due to its many arms.

An Octopus has eight tentacles or arms.

An Octopus is a marine animal.

Crocodiles predominantly live in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Among other differences, Crocodiles often have a V-shaped snout, while Alligators have a U-shaped snout.

Crocodiles are ambush predators, often waiting patiently and then striking quickly.

Octopuses can use camouflage, ink squirting, and even mimicry as defense mechanisms.

A Crocodile is a large aquatic reptile.

Depending on the species, Crocodiles can live from 35 to over 70 years.

Yes, Octopuses are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills.

The term "crocodile tears" comes from an old myth, but Crocodiles do have tear glands to lubricate their eyes, not necessarily due to emotion.

Octopus ink can be a deterrent to predators, but it's not generally harmful to humans.

Yes, many Octopus species can change their color and texture for camouflage or communication.

While rare, Crocodile attacks on humans do occur, especially if the Crocodile feels threatened or cornered.

Octopuses typically eat crustaceans, small fishes, and other small marine animals.

The size varies by species. Saltwater Crocodiles can reach lengths of over 20 feet, while the Giant Pacific Octopus can have an arm span of up to 14 feet.