Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys!
I posted it in the alligator forum. But one guy is being rude and he´s not telling me much.
I´m doing this in a polite way. I dont ask for too much, just some advices. Ive already read something, I know I must learn a lot more. But Im only asking, Im not trying to offend anyone, please, dont offend me.
So, here I go.

Hello everyone!
Im Liliana.
I live in Monterrey Mexico. I own two beautiful snakes.
I wanna buy an alligator misisisissppiensis or a Crocodylus acutus. (someone is selling to me)
Ive already read the Crocodilian Captive Care FAQ, and some of the posts in this site. I know I must learn a lot more.
Please, if you guys are tired of answering these questions, I'll understand. But you can make me very happy if you help me now.

1. I want the acutus. I like it more. But I´ve read that alligator are much quiet (if we can say so of an alligator!) than an crocodyle. But I also read that the acutus is like the alligator in the "loving" aspect. Which is the true?

2. Is it true that I can release the alligator or the acutus in my living room? I saw a photo posted here. But in much forum they say that is a risky thing to do. In fact, they said that is a mortal thing to do! So, how come the pic?

3. Someone told me that my saurio will break the fishbowl in which he live when he grow up. Is that true?

4. The guy that will sell to me, say that I can give the animal mice for now.... and I can have it in a fishbowl of 20 gal for now. But... I want to know, how long and how fast it will grow? In a year, for example. And with what can I fed him? I can give it mice but certainly not DOGS.

Thanks a lot for reading. Im really interested in this, but I want to be sure that I can give the saurio a good living. And that Im not gonna die trying it!
Im joking, Im really worried because of the animal, im not afraid.

Please, excuse my writting, im trying to do my best.

Thanks again. Im waiting for your wise advises.

Hi, Liliana,

sorry for my poor english, I am from Germany and just trying my best.
I am sure, you know, that both American Alligators and American Crocodiles are long-living and fast growing animals. C. acutus is an endangered species and protected in CITES,App I in most of its range. In my mind, both species dont make good pets because of their size and - beside of this - especially American Crocodiles are potentially dangerous and never a crocodile for "starters".
If you are really interested in keeping crocs, a Dwarf caiman would make a much better pet. Some of them ( well trained )get very docile. Please, read Adam Brittons very helpful Croc FAQ as well as Colin Stevensons great Paleosuchus Page: You will learn a lot!
Good luck and best wishes
Ralf
Tomistoma Task Force