the nostrils, eyes, and ears are on the top of its head, so the rest of the body can be hidden underwater for surprise attacks camouflage also helps it catch food. the snout is longer and narrower than that of the american alligator. american crocodiles are paler and more grayish than the dark-hued american alligator. the american crocodile crawls on its belly. it can also "high walk". big ones can run as fast as nearly 16 km/h (10 mph). they can swim at as fast as 32 km/h (20 mph).