Cuvier's dwarf caiman

Paleosuchus palpebrosus · Cuvier's dwarf caiman is a small crocodilian in the alligator family that lives in rivers, streams and flooded forests of northern and central South America.

Also called Musky caiman, Dwarf caiman, Cuvier's Smooth-fronted Caiman, Cuvier's caiman, Smooth-fronted caiman.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman
Photo: Llez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cuvier's dwarf caiman
Photo: Cangadoba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cuvier's dwarf caiman
Photo: Spálenský David, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderCrocodilia
FamilyAlligatoridae
GenusPaleosuchus
SpeciesPaleosuchus palpebrosus

Where it lives

Forest rivers and streams of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

Fun facts

  • Adults are the smallest crocodilians alive, with males averaging just 1.4 m long and weighing only 5 to 7 kg.
  • It makes up for its tiny size with tough bony armor plates in its skin that help protect it from predators.
  • It can crawl overland to reach isolated pools and can handle colder water better than other caiman species.
  • To beat the dry season heat in the Pantanal, it hides in a burrow and can hold its body temperature near 22°C for days.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).