Stats

Lifespan: 20-40 yrs
Size: Small
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Tropical rainforest
Range: South America
Movement: Swimming
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Armor
Status: Rare

About

This small crocodilian lives in the fast-flowing rivers and flooded forests of South America. Its skin is reinforced with bony plates so thick that it is virtually immune to predator attacks.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling
A miniature reptile emerges from its egg already independent.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile sheds and grows, often duller-colored than adults.
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: Paleosuchus
Species: Paleosuchus palpebrosus