| Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) |
| Synonyms: Caiman sclerops, Alligator sclerops, Perosuchus fuscus, (see The Reptile Database for more synonyms) |
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Caiman crocodilus is widespread in the Neotropics: southern Mexico, Central America, Trinidad, Tobago, and northern South America, e.g., throughout the Orinoco and the Amazon basins (Map). Introduced in Cuba, and the United States (southern Florida and Puerto Rico). This species occurs in lakes, ponds, marshes, and tributaries of slow moving rivers; enters brackish mangrove swamps. Spectacled Caiman is the most common of all crocodilian species; the largest population is in the Llanos (savannas) of Venezuela. This is a small to medium-sized crocodilian. Although 2.5-3 m long C. crocodilus are occasionally reported, the majority of males are 1.8-2 m, and females 1.2-1.4 m (weight 7-40 kg). Overall colouration is gray-green; the young are yellow with black spots. Mating takes place during the dry season. After mating, the female builds a nest and lays up to 40 eggs. Newly-hatched C. crocodilus gather in crèches and are protected by the female for up to four months. This species is a generalist predator feeding on fish, crustaceans, molluscs, water birds, and small mammals.
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