Whether the crocodilian [Caiman crocodilus and Alligator mississippiensis] distress call, in its alarming capacity, served as an example of altruistic behavior, was investigated. Apparently, altruism seemed to be a component of individual behavior in crocodilians, a component which was disadvantageous to the caller. When under parental care during the vulnerable initial months of life, the distress call contributed to the caller''s personal fitness, to the extent that later disadvantages were overridden.