Spectacled caiman

Caiman crocodilus

Size: 1.5–2.5 m · 7–40 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Loose group
Lifespan: 30–60 years

The spectacled caiman is a Neotropical crocodilian named for the bony ridge between its eyes. It hunts fish and small animals in freshwater at night.

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Key facts

Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a carnivore animal classified as Reptile · Crocodilia · Alligatoridae.
Primary habitats are freshwater · savanna, with a range across Neotropical.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The spectacled caiman is a Neotropical crocodilian named for the bony ridge between its eyes.
It inhabits Neotropical freshwater and savanna wetlands.
Typical lifespan: 30–60 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits Neotropical freshwater and savanna wetlands. Rivers, marshes, ponds, floodplains, and artificial waters are all used.

Appearance

Length 150-250 cm; weight 7-40 kg. A cross ridge between the eyes gives a spectacled look. The body is olive-brown, and juveniles show stronger banding.

Behavior

Nocturnal and loosely social, it often floats with only eyes and nostrils above water. It waits for prey near the surface or edge.

Feeding

A carnivore, it eats fish, crustaceans, frogs, birds, and small mammals. Larger prey become more important as it grows.

Reproduction

Females build nests of vegetation and soil and guard the eggs. Hatchlings gather in shallow nursery areas near water.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern. It is adaptable, though skin trade and wetland alteration can affect populations locally.