Also known as the Mexican or Belize crocodile, it is a fresh waters of the Atlantic regions of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It is another species which is thought to have originated in Africa, though its closest relative was thought to live in Madagascar around 25 million years ago.

They are small by crocodile size, ranging from 1.5m to 2.7m (with males being generally larger).

They generally eat relatively small prey, which is perhaps the reason that there are only a handful of fatal attacks on humans that have been recorded.

It is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting, as its skin is smooth, allowing hide quality leather to be made.

Wild populations are thought to number 79,000-100,000 and they are considered low risk, or least concern at the current time.