Dwarf caimans with the scientific name of Paleosuchus palepebrosus, aare natives in central and South America. Amazon river is their main habitat for the ones living in the south. They are not actually that big type having an average size of 5 ft for the males and 4 ft for the females. They are popular in the pet trade because of their small size.
Their color is mainly black with blank bands while they're still juveniles and the adults tend to be more darker with heads to be lighter brown. Their head is very smooth and is in unique formation. The upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw. Though the skin is in not that good in quality compared to the other genus in the Crocodylidae family. They are well-covered with scales from back to belly serving as protection. They have upturned curl snout which made them to be distinctive from the other corcodilians. Their skull formation also implies that they use their head in burrowing.
If your already planning to buy one, then it might be better if you know the basic necessities of your soon to be pet. Dwarf caimans can live either in pair or just as single. The top on the list you must provide first is an enclosure. The hatchlings can be housed in a 10 or 20 gallon tank. When they already grew up, then you may transfer them to a 55 or 100 Gallon Aquarium. Captive dwarf caimans love a dim light and shades. With their habitat, there should be a Basking Area. A simple rock, driftwoods and plants will also do. Day light bulb must be used during the day while heating light bulbs during the night. If you are not confident in using light bulbs, you may also use Ceramic Heater as a primary heat source. Basking temperature must be 90-95F. Ensure the enclosure's cleanliness also and change the water regularly.
As for their food, they are carnivorous and eat anything from any invertebrates like fishes, to crustaceans, mollusks and crabs. Though in captivity, they can be fed with pinkies, crickets, and other insects. Feeder fish is also a must though if you keep giving them goldfish as the only feeder fish,they may have lack of vitamin E to excrete from the goldfish so another variety of feeder fish is a must. From then, you may also add some calcium and multivitamin supplement sprinkled to their foods. The hatchlings must be fed every day while the semi-adults, every 2 or 3 days. With their breeding, once a mating was successfully done, the female will then lay eggs and wait for about 90 days before the eggs will hatch.
They might be in large number of population yet still they need to be taken care of properly. True friendship from your pet can be gained with regular banding.
Dwarf Caiman are a good pet for someone looking for something real exotic. Thanks for reading my article Ari Flagle
