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Spectacled Caiman

Scientific Name

Caiman crocodilus

Class

Reptilia

Order

Crocodylia

Range

Central and South America

Habitat

Rivers and floodplains

Estimated Wild Population

n/a

Found in:

Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House

More Information

Spectacled caimans were named for the bony ridge above their eyes, which resembles a pair of glasses. Adults are dull green and can grow to more than six feet in length. They primarily eat fish, insects, frogs, birds, and even mammals. After breeding, females lay eggs in nests built with mud and leaves.

Did You Know?

To survive during periods of extreme heat, spectacled caimans burrow into the mud and enter a state of hibernation.

Juveniles have a yellow tint and black bands, both of which disappear with age.

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