White caiman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spectacled caiman |
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| In Tobago river of Trinidad & Tobago | |
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Caiman
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C. crocodilus
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| Caiman crocodilus Schneilder, 1801
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| Map of caiman distribution | |
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C. sclerops Schneider, 1801 C. caiman Daudin, 1802 C. alligator? Blumenbach, 1807 C. punctulatus Spix, 1825 'C. vallifrons Natterer, 1841 C. longiscuta Gray, 1862 C. multiscuta Gray, 1869 C. hirticollis Gray, 1869 C. lacordairei Borre, 1869 |
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The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), also known as the common caiman, is a medium-sized reptile. It belongs to a group of animals called crocodilians, which includes crocodiles and alligators. These caimans live in wetlands, like swamps and marshes, across South America.
Spectacled caimans usually grow to be about 6 to 8.2 feet long. They get their name from a special bony ridge between their eyes. This ridge looks a lot like a pair of eyeglasses! When the weather gets colder, these caimans can even change their skin color to help them blend in.
Contents
What Spectacled Caimans Eat
Spectacled caimans are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Young caimans mostly eat insects, small crustaceans (like crabs), and mollusks (like snails). As they grow bigger, their diet changes. Adult caimans eat larger prey. This includes fish, amphibians (like frogs), and other reptiles. They might also eat small mammals and birds.
Where Spectacled Caimans Live
Spectacled caimans are found in many parts of Central and South America. They prefer to live in freshwater habitats. This includes rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They are very good at adapting to different environments. This means they can live in both fast-flowing rivers and calm, still waters.
Spectacled Caimans in Zoos
Many zoos around the world have spectacled caimans. They are popular animals to see because of their unique appearance. Zoos help to educate people about these amazing reptiles. They also play a role in protecting them. As of a recent count, there were about 170 spectacled caimans living in zoos.
Images for kids
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Spectacled caiman head, with the ridge between the eyes visible
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Spectacled caimans in Monterrico, Guatemala
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Los Llanos, Venezuela
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C. crocodilus in Monterrico, Guatemala
See also
In Spanish: Caimán de anteojos para niños
