Stats

Lifespan

20-40 yrs

Size

Large

Diet

Carnivore

Activity

Nocturnal

Social

Solitary

Biome

Freshwater wetland

Range

Central and South America

Movement

Swimming

Breeding

Egg-laying

Defense

Armor

Status

Uncommon

About

The spectacled caiman (*Caiman crocodilus*) is the most abundant crocodilian in the Americas, ranging from southern Mexico to Bolivia across swamps, rivers, and flooded savannas. Its name comes from the distinctive bony ridge connecting the eyes that looks strikingly like a pair of spectacles.

Life cycle

1. 1.
   hatchling

   A miniature reptile emerges from its egg already independent.
2. 2.
   juvenile

   A juvenile sheds and grows, often duller-colored than adults.
3. 3.
   adult

   Fully grown with adult size and coloration.

Learn more

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Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Crocodylia

Family

Alligatoridae

Genus

Caiman

Species

Caiman crocodilus