Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman Crocodiles

As the name suggests, the dwarf caiman is the smallest of the New World crocodilians – it grows to a maximum of 1.5 metres. But don’t be fooled, they may be small, but they are certainly mighty! Their thick scales form an armour like defence and are lined with boney plating underneath for extra protection! They have a few predators in the wild, namely jaguars, green anacondas and boa constrictors.

Dwarf Caimans are nocturnal hunters, they have powerful jaws for crushing their prey. They also have a special section to their stomach called a ‘gizzard’. This is a small pouch which contains stones which they swallow that helps break down food they have eaten.

Originally from the Amazon rainforest in South America, Dwarf Caiman crocodiles enjoy a varied diet, from fish and crabs to shrimp and even small mammals.

Female caimans will lay around 10 to 25 eggs during their breeding season. Both the male and female work together to build a nest which is a mound made of mud and sticks, they build their nest hidden in amongst vegetation on a bank near the river. The eggs are incubated for 90 days until they hatch, the hatchings will then stay in the nest for a few days before making their way down to the water. Their mother will then look after them for up to 21 days after hatching!

Sadly, like many rainforest creatures, the dwarf caiman’s habitats are at risk from mass deforestation.

Fun facts about the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman Crocodile:

• They grow to be about five feet in length, the same height as an average 13 year old human
• Dwarf caiman teeth are used as amulets, as some cultures believe they protect from snake bites
• Caimans use their strong tails to help propel them in the water
• Caimans are not to be confused with crocodiles or alligators, they’re their own species