An Alligator of a Different Name

An Alligator of a Different Name

We’re meeting our last Brazilian animal today! This reptile has some nice chompers and can get to be one big dude! Are you ready to meet this caiman?

Black Caiman Fun Facts:

• Black caiman are found in the Amazon Basin and other part of South America in rivers, lakes and marshes.
• They can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh up to 600 lbs. They are the largest member of the alligator family in South America.
• Black caiman are carnivores. They eat fish, mammals and other large prey.
• Black caiman are listed as least concern by the IUCN.
• Caiman are a subfamily of the alligator family. Black caiman are bigger than their cousins the American Alligator.
• The black caiman is the largest predator in its habitat.

• They are also ambush predators.
• They have dark, almost black scales.
• Black caiman are nocturnal.
• Caiman have a bony ridge down their eyes to their snout.
• Like other members of the alligator and caiman family, females protect their nests and their hatchlings.

These relatives of the American alligator definitely look like their cousins. As apex predators we definitely will just visit from a distance!