The spectacled (White or common) caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a crocodilian reptile found in much of Central and South America. It lives in a range of lowland wetland and riverine habitat types and can tolerate salt water as well as fresh; due in part to this adaptability it is the most common of all crocodilian species. The species' common name comes from a bony ridge between the eyes, which gives the appearance of a pair of spectacles. They have been known to change color. During colder weather the black pigment, found within their skin cells, will expand making them dark.
Ten Facts about Spectacled Caiman
- The estimated wild population exceeds 1 million individuals.
- The Spectacled caiman is an adaptable species that tolerates fresh, brackish and saltwater. It prefers still waters but is present in virtually all types of lowland wetland and riverine habitats within its range.
- Males are normally 2-2.5 meters (6.6-8.2 feet) long, while the largest reported specimen approached 3 meters (9.8 feet).
- The females are smaller and will normally not exceed 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) in length, although occasional females may reach a size of nearly 2 meters (6.6 feet).
- The number of teeth varies from 72 to 78.
- Adult Caiman crocodilus are dull olive green, while juveniles are yellow and adorned with black spots and bands on body and tail.
- As the caiman matures, the markings grow less and less noticeable.
- Juvenile Spectacled caimans feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and molluscs.
- The female Spectacled caiman attains sexual maturity when she's 1.2 m (4 feet) long, something which normally happens at an age of 4-7 years.
- The males matures at a similar age, but not until they've reached a size of 1.4 m (4.6 feet).
