Cuvier's dwarf caiman
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), also called a musky caiman and dwarf caiman, is a genus of Caiman native to northern and central South America. They are the smallest living crocodilians in South America.[1] They live in freshwater lakes. It was first described by the French zoologist, Georges Cuvier, in 1807.[2] They grow up to 1.4 metres (4 ft 7 in) long for males and 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) long for females. Cuvier's dwarf caiman weigh between 6 kilograms (13 lb) and 7 kilograms (15 lb).[2] They live up to 40 years.[2] Cuvier's dwarf caiman was first described by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in 1807. It is one of only two species in the genus Paleosuchus. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman has an average length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) for males. The average length for females is 1.2 m (3.9 ft). An adult weighs around 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb). It has strong body armor, which provides protection against predators. Young dwarf caimans mainly feed on invertebrates. It also eats small fish and frogs. Adults eat larger fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, such as large molluscs. It is listed Least concern.
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman Media
Scale arrangement is useful for identifying Cuvier's dwarf caiman.
Juveniles at the Cologne Zoological Garden
References
- ↑ "The Cuvier's dwarf caiman or Musky caiman". Networked Organisms. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman". About Animals. Retrieved January 16, 2017.