dwarf caiman
| Scientific name | Paleosuchus palpebrosus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Cuvier |
| Year of description | 1807 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Genus | Paleosuchus |
Introduction
Paleosuchus palpebrosus, commonly known as dwarf caiman, is a fresh water reptile from the Amérique du Sud.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Female size120 - 140 cm
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Male size170 - 200 cm
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Weight7 - 10 kg
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Longevity25 year
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Female size120 - 140 cm
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Male size170 - 200 cm
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Weight7 - 10 kg
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Longevity25 year
How to recognize the dwarf caiman ?
The dwarf caiman measures between 170 and 200 cm. This reptile is unicolore with a predominantly vert and marron body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or alone
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Way of livingnocturnal
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VenomousNo
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Dietpredator
The dwarf caiman is a reptile living as a couple or alone. This species is carnivorous . This reptile lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although the dwarf caiman is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui enfouit ses œufs
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Clutch size10 - 25 eggs
The dwarf caiman is a reptile ovipare qui enfouit ses œufs. This reptile protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature23 - 28 °C
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pH (acidity)7.8 - 8.8
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gh (hardness)15 - 25
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FlowAll type
Biotope presentation
The dwarf caiman is most often found at a depth between 0m and 3m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
The dwarf caiman prefers well oxygenated waters in current areas and rapids. It frequents fast flowing waters where the bottom is strewn with pebbles, wood or leaves carried by the current. It can be found not far from waterfalls and in mossy areas nearby.
This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Marc Raggi
Benoit Chartrer
Nans Gourgousse
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
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