Spectacled Caiman
The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a small crocodilian of Central and South America, named for a bony ridge between the eyes that looks like spectacles. It is one of the most widespread and adaptable crocodilians.
The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a small crocodilian of Central and South America, named for a bony ridge between the eyes that looks like spectacles. It is one of the most widespread and adaptable crocodilians.
🧬 Field Guide Specimen: Open Spectacled Caiman in the CRV Science Field Guide to log the specimen, see its place among the Reptilia lineages in the Cladogram Explorer, and test your recall in the Red List conservation game.
Adaptable Hunters
The caiman lives in rivers, swamps, flooded forests and even in disturbed wetlands. Young caimans eat insects and snails, and adults eat fish, amphibians and birds. They can tolerate low-quality water.
Skins and Invasion
Heavy hunting for skins in the 1960s and 1970s was followed by protection, and the species is now common. Escaped caimans have formed small populations in Florida and Cuba.
Part of the Alligator Family
Caimans belong to the family Alligatoridae, which also includes the American alligator. See American Alligator.
Spectacled Caiman at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Caiman crocodilus |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Crocodilia |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Field Guide group | Reptilia (Reptiles) |
| Diagnostic feature (Field Guide) | Medium-sized Central and South American predator with a bony ridge between the eyes like the bridge of spectacles. |
| IUCN Red List status | Least Concern (LC), assessed 2019 |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Distinctive feature | Bony ridge between the eyes |