Crocodilians also have diaphragmatic muscles that snakes do not have which also make them more efficient divers, as well as a four-chambered heart that shunt blood flow from the lungs during long periods of submersion. I love gators...they are truly fascinating!!



If the original question was how long can a Burm hold it's breath...longer than a croc (or gator)? I think crocs/gators win. The actual ranges I have heard of for large alligators is 45 minutes in warm water and a phenomenal 8 hours in cool weather.



I'm curious as to the reasoning behind the question. It was a point of debate in the Everglades when people were wondering whether the Burms or the gators would win certain fights. As the stories go, usually the gator would dive and suffocate the Burm, or they would split and go their separate ways. This was of course assuming they are equally sized to begin with.

[ Hide Replies ]

• odd question but important - mldolan, Fri Apr 11 07:39:06 2008
• RE: odd question but important - HappyHillbilly, Fri Apr 11 10:26:47 2008
• RE: odd question but important - laurarfl, Fri Apr 11 12:13:25 2008
• RE: odd question but important - Kelly_Haller, Sat Apr 12 16:15:16 2008
• RE: odd question but important - laurarfl, Sat Apr 12 20:25:56 2008
• I definitely agree with you, but....... - Kelly_Haller, Mon Apr 14 23:20:22 2008
• Interesting, thanks...np - laurarfl, Tue Apr 15 06:29:12 2008
• RE: odd question but important - mldolan, Sat Apr 19 10:58:36 2008