The caiman is a member of the Crocodyliformes family, which includes the crocodile, alligator, and pangolin. The caiman can grow up to 2.5 meters long and weigh over 1000 kilograms. Caimans live in Florida, although only in the southeastern part of the state since they can’t survive cold climates. Now, full-grown caimans can be confused with young alligators. However, crocodiles are usually larger. The Florida Everglades is the only place where alligators and crocodiles live together.
Of the two, the crocodile would win against the alligator in combat. Crocodiles are usually bigger and heavier. Crocs have a more lethal bite due to their size and strength. Caimans are relatively small crocodilians, except the black caiman which can grow over 4 meters long and weigh 500 kilograms.
Crocodiles tend to have V-shaped noses, while caimans and alligators have more rounded, U-shaped noses. Adult crocodiles can grow up to 19 feet long, longer than the 14 foot maximum for alligators. Crocodile hides also tend to be lighter than the dark blackish grey of alligators. Though they look similar, alligators and caimans are distinct species that would not mate in nature.
Where are caimans mostly found?
Yacare caiman found in Brazil’s Pantanal. Broad-snouted caiman in Brazil’s marshes and swamps. Black caiman in Amazon rainforest.
Caimans inhabit Mexico, Central and South America from marshes and swamps to mangrove rivers and lakes. Some caiman species spend more time on land than others. Spectacled caimans rarely leave water. Black caimans leave water under dark to hunt larger prey on land.
There are six caiman species found in wetland habitats in Central and South America. Caimans closely related to alligators. Black caiman largest caiman species in world. Found in Amazon basin’s slow rivers and lakes.
Caimans spend daytime resting or basking. Mostly active at night. Biggest Puerto Rico caiman population at Vega Baja’s Tortuguero Lagoon reserve. In Florida, see crocodiles and caimans in Everglades National Park.
Crocodiles found in tropical and subtropical regions globally. They inhabit fresh and saltwater habitats like rivers, lakes, swamps and estuaries. Also found along coasts. Estuarine crocodile is largest living reptile. Found in Indo-Pacific region.
Black caiman largest caiman. Cuvier’s dwarf caiman smallest. Grows 1.2-1.5 meters long. Most other caiman species 2-2.5 meters long.
Caimans are one of two members of alligator family Alligatoridae. Found in Mexico and South America parts. Navigate marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes. Tough skin and jaws protect from other animals.
Common caiman exotic in Florida but established in southeast. Would never come into contact with alligators to mate. Too different genetically to produce offspring.
Are caiman alligators illegal?
Crocodilians (alligators, caimans): Illegal in most states. Florida has Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Caimans are relatives to alligators in Mexico, Central and South America. They are usually smaller than gators. Under the Endangered Species Act it is illegal to import many crocodile skin products. Caiman skins must be stitched together to make boots. Caimans are pliable, smooth, durable.
In California, crocodile ownership has been illegal since the 1970s. The Department of Fish and Game proposed outlawing spectacled caimans. The reptile is Caesar crocodilus. Alligators are not allowed as pets in California. You cannot have a pet dwarf caiman. You cannot own a Cuvier’s dwarf caiman in California. To get an exotic animal permit in California, you must contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Axolotls are illegal in California. Many exotic pets are illegal in California. Many exotic skins are illegal in California. Only five states allow you to own an alligator with no permits: Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin. You cannot have a pet fox in California. You cannot own a peacock in California. You cannot ship crocodiles to California.
Does the US have caimans?
Caimans live in Central and South America. Their habitats include freshwater lakes, streams, wetlands like swamps or marshes. They can even live in saltwater. Caimans were brought to the United States for leather and pets. Most died but some live in southern Florida now. They might crowd out alligators and crocodiles there. And they eat vulnerable native species.
Caimans are related to alligators. Spectacled caimans in Florida came from released or escaped pets. Now they breed there. They eat anything they can capture, from snails and insects to crabs and mammals. These caimans have a bony ridge between their eyes resembling glasses. Females average 1.5-2 meters long. Males average 2-2.5 meters. Most caimans don’t exceed 2 meters. The wide-snouted caiman has a wide muzzle with noticeable spots. Its olive color varies across its range. The black caiman can reach 2.7 meters, the longest of all caiman species.
All crocodilians are predators. But they have their own predators too. Big cats like jaguars and leopards attack, kill and eat adult caimans.