Stats

Lifespan

50-80 yrs

Size

Huge

Diet

Carnivore

Activity

Nocturnal

Social

Solitary

Biome

Freshwater wetland

Range

South America

Movement

Swimming

Breeding

Egg-laying

Defense

Armor

Status

Rare

About

The black caiman is the largest predator in the Amazon basin, reaching up to 5 metres in length. Its dark, almost jet-black scales serve as camouflage during its nocturnal hunts and may help absorb solar heat during the day.

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

• View on iNaturalist →
• Watch on YouTube →

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Crocodylia

Family

Alligatoridae

Genus

Melanosuchus

Species

Melanosuchus niger