No, a crocodile is not a seafood because it is not a sea animal. It lives in the water, but it is semi-aquatic. A seafood is one that came from the sea.
Speaking of foods, it is best that one understands the characteristics of a crocodile, the properties of seafood, and other important features of the crocodile’s meat. With all these aspects, one would come to a conclusion of deciding whether crocodile is considered seafood or not.
What Counts as Seafood?
Before moving on to crocodiles, one must learn how seafood is classified.
Seafood is more than just fish from the oceans. It involves non-toxic species from freshwater and oceans. In general, seafood covers most aquatic animals excluding mammals.
People often confuse seafood as being limited to fish; however, it also involves the following:
- Crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, shrimps, and lobsters
- Cephalopod mollusks like squids or octopuses
- Jellyfish
- Mollusks like oysters, snails, limpets, mussels, etc.
- Sea turtles
- Sea urchins and sea cucumbers
- Eels
In short, seafood can be classified into fish and shellfish. Fish have an internal skeletonwhile shellfish have an external skeleton. Seafood is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and is low in saturated fats.Some species of marine reptiles included in the seafood list are sea turtles, sea snakes, and saltwater crocodiles.
Characteristics of Crocodile
A crocodile falls in the category of reptiles. It is huge with a strong and muscular tail and short legs. The body of a crocodile is broader than the rest of its body parts. The sharp cone-shaped teeth are present in the external jaw area.
This carnivorous specie is divided into different types that can be found in tropical regions of Asia, Australia, America, and Africa. Naturally, it prefers aquatic or estuarine environments for its habitats, which means most of the crocodiles live in rivers, swamps, brackish areas, etc.
Generally, the crocodile is considered a large aquatic reptile whereas the American crocodile and Saltwater crocodile are two main types of marine reptiles.
Both fish and crocodiles possess backbones. A crocodile is not a mammal, so it is safe to say it possesses common properties of other seafood animals as well.
However, most seafood animals breathe through their gills except for jellyfish, sea turtles, and some others. Meanwhile, a crocodile breathes through its lungs just like sea turtles.
Taste of Crocodile’s Meat
Considering how a crocodile shares several common properties with other seafood animals, one must understand the quality of crocodile meat. Is it edible? Does it taste like chicken?
To many people’s surprise, croc meat is very unique. It has a mild flavor with tender texture. The white succulent flesh is similar to that of chicken and pork.
One might find its taste a bit like fish’s but that depends on where the croc came from. If it feels like the croc meat is chewy, thenneeds to cook it well and prevent it from being overcooked.
Some tasty edible parts of crocodile include:
- Feet, which resemble frog’s legs
- Ribs
- Body
- Tail
- Jaw
Some places serve crocs meat like steaks, burger patties, mine, and fillets, but one can cook it however he likes. It tastes delicious with Asian flavors and is best cooked after it was frozen—must kill bacteria first.
Benefits of Crocodile Meat
As with any other seafood, crocodile meat also provides numerous benefits. Both share many common benefits such as being rich in protein and low in calories or fats. Many places serve croc tails as BBQ, boiled, or fried which people love.
Athletes and bodybuilders consume crocodile meat more compared to others. Croc meat is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
It has high fibers and iron and is rich in potassium and vitamin B12. It is pretty much safe to consume as well since it has low cholesterol levels.Its meat enhances the blood flow and is known to be a cure for several breathing problems such as asthma.
Are Alligators Considered Seafood?
Just like crocodiles, alligators are large reptiles, and they live primarily in freshwater. They are cold-blooded species that have pointed teeth lining their snouts. Alligators are found mostly in the US in areas like swamps, lakes, rivers, etc.
American Alligators are usually farmed for their meat, which tastes like chicken and fish. Just like a chicken, it has both white and dark parts amongst which the white part is most preferred by humans. It is mild, tender, and has a unique taste. The texture of its meat is similar to that of veal.
An alligator is officially considered seafood, according to the NPR. Since alligators and crocodiles share similarities in habitats and lifestyles and because both are reptiles and aquatic animals, one can assume that a crocodile is also considered seafood.
The saltwater crocodile is counted in the seafood category because of its lifestyle and characteristics.
The taste of a crocodile’s flesh is similar to that of fish, and one can say that alligators and crocodiles have many similarities as well. Since an alligator is considered seafood, one can assume that a crocodile is also considered seafood considering the similarities and habitats.
Summary
After thorough research, one can assume that a crocodile can be considered seafood. But then, technically, it is not because it is not a fish—neither does it live in the sea.
First, after checking what is included in the seafood category, one can say that the croc is not a marine animal. They are marine reptiles because they want to stay in brackish or salty water, and yet no crocodile lives in the ea.
All the animals listed in the seafood category belong to aquatic life. A crocodile is an aquatic and marine animal as well, as it lives both in freshwater and saltwater. Most of seafood animals breathe through their gills, except for sea turtles and a few others. Since there is an exception, one can consider a crocodile as an exceptional case here as it breathes through its lungs. So, in summary, perhaps it is a seafood as far as a restaurant’s menu is concerned.
I am the founder and owner of Fauna Facts. My mission is to write valuable and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience. I hope you enjoy the site!