Broad-snouted caiman

Caiman latirostris
Family Alligatoridae
Genus Caiman
IUCN category (World) LC
Caiman latirostris Caiman latirostris

Introduction

Descriptor : Daudin, 1802

Caiman latirostris, commonly known as Broad-snouted caiman, is a fresh water and brackish water reptile from the Amérique du Sud.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Size
    250 - 310 cm
  • Mimicry
    plants
  • Size
    250 - 310 cm
  • Mimicry
    plants

How to recognize This reptile ?

The Broad-snouted caiman measures between 250 and 310 cm. This reptile is unicolore with a predominantly marron and gris body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • Way of living
    diurnal
  • Venomous
    No
  • Diet
    predator

The Broad-snouted caiman hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The Broad-snouted caiman is a reptile living in a group or alone naturally found Terre. This species is carnivorous .

The Broad-snouted caiman is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare
  • Clutch size
    0 - 0 eggs

The Broad-snouted caiman is a reptile ovipare.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes

This species can attack if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant especially during dives or fishing sessions.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Conservation and international regulations

IUCN (World) : LC

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    20 - 30 °C
  • Flow
    Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

The Broad-snouted caiman is most often found at a depth between 0m and 2m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

The soil is generally composed of  humus and of vase.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

Espèces du même genre

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.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

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.

Bibliographic references

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