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SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
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Caiman crocodilus
| A.K.A. |
This animal is often referred to as the Spectacled Caiman because it has ridges above it's eyes that make it appear as if it were wearing eye glasses.
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| DESCRIPTION COLORATION |
Broad round nose. Armor-like scales. Webbed toes with sharp claws. Coloration is brown, yellow-tan, or olive-gray with darker cross bands on body and tail.
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| SIZE |
Up to 8 feet in length. Weighing up to 65 pounds.
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| HOME |
Central and South America. This species has also been introduced in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States.
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| HABITAT |
This animal is found in ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and swamps.
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| LIFESTYLE |
Solitary, aquatic, aggressive.
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| PREDATORS |
Anacondas, jaguars, and man.
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| FOOD |
Fish, snails, crabs, mammals, and carrion.
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| BREEDING |
The Spectacled Caiman is sexually mature when it is 4 to 8 years old. These animals breed at the beginning of the rainy season which is in April to June. About 30 eggs are laid in a nest that the female has dug underneath bushes or other plant growth. The nest will then be covered with vegetation. Like other alligators and crocodiles, the mother Spectacled Caiman will guard her nest. The eggs will hatch after 4 to 8 weeks.
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| LIFE SPAN |
Up to 60 years.
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IN CAPTIVITY
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These caimans grow quickly and are naturally aggressive animals. For these reasons, this animal is not recommended for amateur herpetologists. |
| SPECIAL CONCERNS |
These animals are hunted by man by the millions for their skins. Despite the large amount of hunting, caimans may not be in danger of extinction due to the fact that they live in many different areas. However, hunting any animal in such large numbers can be considered a threat to the species and should be closely monitored
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| INTERESTING FACTS |
Although the Spectacled Caiman's scientific name is Caiman crocodilus, it is actually more closely related to alligators than to crocodiles.
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For more information: |
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