Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Caiman

Alligatoridae (caimans: subfamily Caimaninae)

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Caimans are crocodilians of the Americas. This account focuses on the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), named for the bony ridge between its eyes.

Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), the representative species, in the plains of Apure, Venezuela.

Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), the representative species, in the plains of Apure, Venezuela.

Berrucomons · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Spectacled caimans occur in Central America and northern South America. They favour slow-moving rivers and wetlands, using both shallow and deep water. Some also occupy brackish coastal habitats.
Habitat
Wetlands, Rivers and lakes, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Prey changes with body size: small caimans eat invertebrates, while larger animals also take fish and other vertebrates. They often feed at night and bask beside the water during the day. Larger individuals can dominate access to breeding opportunities.

Classification

Common name
Caiman
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Alligatoridae (caimans: subfamily Caimaninae)
Source classification
Reptilia

Three things to know

  • It has a bony ridge between the eyes.
  • Young animals eat many invertebrates.
  • Adults often hunt at night.

Habitat and range

Spectacled caimans occur in Central America and northern South America. They favour slow-moving rivers and wetlands, using both shallow and deep water. Some also occupy brackish coastal habitats.

Appearance and adaptations

A bony ridge between the eyes gives the species its common name. Adults are olive to dark in colour, while young animals show stronger bands and spots. Females are smaller than males.

Diet and behaviour

Prey changes with body size: small caimans eat invertebrates, while larger animals also take fish and other vertebrates. They often feed at night and bask beside the water during the day. Larger individuals can dominate access to breeding opportunities.

Sources

Explore reptiles

Browse all reptiles