Spectacled Caiman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and EnchantedLearning.com

The Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a crocodilian reptile found in much of Central and South America. It lives in a range of lowland wetland and riverine habitat types and can tolerate salt water as well as fresh; due in part to this adaptabilty it is the most common of all crocodilian species. The species' common name comes from a bony ridge between the eyes, which gives the appearance of a pair of spectacles.

Caimans swim very well, mainly using their tails to propel themselves through the water, and also using their webbed feet. Spectacled Caimans are nocturnal (most active at night).

Anatomy: The largest Spectacled Caiman grows to be up to about 10 feet (6 m) long. It has a bony ridge around the eyes (that looks like a pair of eyeglasses) and a bony ridge above the eyes. The skin is armored. Juveniles are yellow with black markings; adults are dull olive green.

Diet and Teeth: Caimans hunt at night. The young eat insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Adults eat fish (including piranhas and catfish), birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals (like wild pigs). Spectacled Caiman are sometimes cannibalistic. They have about 75 long, sharp, conical teeth, which are used for catching prey (but they do not tear it apart - they swallow their prey whole).

Reproduction: Females build a large soil-and-vegetation mound nest and lay 14 to 40 eggs in each clutch.

 

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