Caymans are often called alligators. Alligators resemble lizards in their shape, but they have thicker bodies and tails than most lizards. Alligators' jaws are set with many sharp teeth. Their eyes stick up above their skulls so that alligators can see above the water while their bodies are beneath it. They use their short, strong legs for walking.
Alligators swim by moving their tails from side to side.
An alligator's skin is tough. The skin on the animal's back is rough and ridged with dozens of small bones called osteoderms. The skin on the belly is smooth and was once used to make a handsome, long-lasting leather for handbags, shoes, and other articles. A young American alligator has yellow marks across its body, but these fade after a time. When grown, the American alligator is dull gray and dark olive in color.