Spectacled caimans have a fairly slow metabolism. Young caiman feed on aquatic invertebrates. Adults hunt for larger prey such as fish, birds, amphibians and even mammals.

Identity card
Spectacled caiman
- Scientific name:
- Caiman crocodilus
- Family:
- Alligatoridae
- Class:
- Reptilia
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Year of description:
- Linnaeus, 1758
- IUCN Status:
- Least Concern
- CITES-status:
appendix II
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Distribution:
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From Mexico to the north of Argentina. It has been introduced in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the USA (Florida).
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Habitat:
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In the backwaters and swamps, mangroves, estuaries and slow-moving rivers of submerged rainforests.
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Size:
It is rarely longer than 2.5 metres.
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Diet:
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Fish, birds, amphibians and even mammals.