Main Characteristics

Spectacled Caiman are between 2 and 2.5 m (6.5 - 8 ft) in length and they are dull olive in colour. Their name comes from the bony ridge that they have in front of their eyes that appears to join them together like a pair of spectacles.

Habitat

Spectacled Caiman are found in freshwater habitats in central and South America. They rarely leave the water, unless they are driven out by drought, in which case they will burrow in mud.

Diet

Spectacled Caiman mainly feed on fish, amphibians, other reptiles and water birds.

Breeding

Spectacled Caiman lay 14 - 40 eggs in mounds of soil and vegetation at the waters edge or on rafts of floating vegetation. Sometimes nests are shared by females and they will guard it against predators. The young caiman hatch after approximately 90 days and they stay in groups close to the female.

Predators

Humans are predators of Spectacled Caiman.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Spectacled Caiman include:

Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis
Caiman crocodilus crocodilus
Caiman crocodilus fuscus

Interesting Facts

Spectacled Caiman are also known as:
Common Caiman

Similar Animals

Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Smooth-Fronted Caiman
Yacare Caiman
Black Caiman
Broad-Snouted Caiman