Black Caiman
Melanosuchus niger
Distribution Black Caiman Distribution
Black Caimans live in the Amazon Basin and in far northern places such as: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. Black Caimans like slow, freshwater water sources and will usually journey into flooded areas.
DietBlack Caimans are carnivorous reptiles that mainly eat fish, especially catfish and sometimes piranhas. Large adults are also known to try and go for larger prey such as capybaras, turtles and deer. Cats, pigs and other tamed pets have also been known to become a Black Caiman's supper. Juveniles tend to hunt small prey, especially crustaceans, small invertebrates and fish.
Threats and DangersPollution, Deforestation, human settlement, hunting and animals that are able to snack on a Black Caiman are always risks for Black Caimans. With their bad hearing and eyesight, Black Caimans are easy prey and may not sense danger before it comes, but they are a Least Concern.
DefensesSize helps the Black Caiman a lot, as its size can intimidate potential threats. They also have extremely sharp teeth and the Black Caiman is a protected species in some places or have laws securing their future.
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Description Black Caiman
Black Caimans are the largest alligator species and aquatic Amazon Predator, measuring up to 6 metres in length. Their weight is not yet known. Some people might think that the Black Caiman looks like the American Alligator and have shiny, darkly coloured (usually black) scales, hence the name Black Caiman. Light yellow or white dots streak across the sides in unique patterns and darker bands are easily visible on the grey head. These bands are likely to fade as the Caiman grows up. The snout starts wide, but then narrows as it comes to the end.
LifeBlack Caimans are expected to live long lives, 80 years at the most. During the dry season when fish are in shallow waters and an easy catch, female Black Caimans are expected to begin their nesting. Females construct nests made out of soil and plant resources. The nest usually measures up to 1.5 metres and up to 65 eggs are produced inside it. Females will guard the nest with their lives, keeping a close distance from the nest. She will wait up to 90 days before the eggs hatch, which is usually during the wet season. Many hatchlings often survive, as the mothers pay close attention their offspring, making sure they don't get into any trouble. When the hatchlings are born, they will often be able to find a safety in numbers.
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