Cuviers Dwarf Caiman For Sale

Overview

The Paleosuchus palpebrosus, or Cuviers dwarf caiman, is a tiny crocodilian native to northern and central South America. Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Venezuela are some of the countries that have it. Riverine woods, flooded forests around lakes, and the banks of swift-moving streams are its natural habitats.

It is able to walk across dry terrain to get to temporary ponds, and it can stand water temperatures that would kill other caimans. The Cuviers dwarf caiman is known by a variety of other names, including the musky caiman, the dwarf caiman, Cuvier’s caiman, and the smooth-fronted caiman (the latter name is also used for P. trigonatus ). The pet trade may refer to it as the wedge-head caiman when discussing captive specimens of this species.

The Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is not only the smallest living species of crocodilian, but also the smallest species of alligator and caiman. Males average 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in total length, while females can grow to a maximum of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) – Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman Size.

The average adult weighs between 6 and 7 kg (13 to 15 lb). Its small stature is compensated for in part by the thick dermal scales that cover its body and are attached to bone bases. Cuvier’s dwarf caiman pet juveniles eat mostly invertebrates but sometimes tiny fish and frogs. Adults, however, consume larger fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, such as giant mollusks.

This cuvier’s dwarf caiman for sale will take refuge in a burrow during the day, and some populations in the Pantanal may even aestivate there during the hot, dry months. It takes around three months for the female to lay her eggs, which she then buries in a mound. During their first few weeks of life, she assists the hatchlings in emerging from the nest and offers some parental care. The IUCN classifies this caiman as “of least conservation concern” because to its big population and extensive distribution.

Appearance

South American is home to a tiny, harmless crocodile known as the Cuviers dwarf caiman. Wedge-head caiman is a common name in the pet trade, where it is commonly maintained by humans as a novelty pet. Both the dorsal (back) and ventral (belly) sides of a Cuviers dwarf caiman are heavily armored.

Their skulls are unusually dome-shaped, and their short, smooth, concave snouts end in upturned tips, making them look more like the heads of dogs than crocodiles. As compared to the lower jaw, the upper jaw protrudes far farther forward. The adults have a dark brownish-black body and a dark brown head, whereas the youngsters are a lighter brown with black bands. Pupils are vertical slits and the irises of the eyes are a chestnut brown coloration at any age.

Habits and Lifestyle

Dwarf caimans of Cuvier’s genus are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they may sun themselves while laying face up in shallow water with their backs exposed, resting in burrows, or on heaps of pebbles. In the hot, dry season, they may aestivate (a state comparable to hibernation) within the burrow for relief from the heat.

Dwarf caimans of the genus Cuvier are equally comfortable in water and on dry ground. They may move long distances across land at night and can occasionally be seen in temporary ponds. Caimans are rarely seen in groups of more than two adults. They talk to one another using gestures, facial expressions, scents, tastes, and touches. Whenever they feel threatened, Wedge-head caiman puff up to seem larger, and some will even hiss angrily.

Diet and Nutrition

Carnivorous diets are typical for Cuvier’s tiny caimans ( insectivores, piscivores). Adults consume aquatic and terrestrial prey such as fish, amphibians, small animals, birds, crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and other invertebrates. Compared to adults, juveniles ingest less fish but a wider variety of crustaceans, tadpoles, frogs, snails, and terrestrial invertebrates like beetles.

Sexing Your Dwarf Caiman

We cannot promise whether your Wedge-head caiman will be male or female, but you are welcome to provide your preference when placing your order. But, we promise that a crocodile expert will make every effort to hand-pick the caiman(s) you specify.

Shipping Your Dwarf Caiman

Guaranteed to arrive alive is included with the purchase of any Wedge-head caiman from our store. Before to placing a purchase, please review our guarantee in its entirety.

We retain the right to postpone your purchase in the extremely unlikely event of bad weather circumstances, since we provide reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and scorpions for sale online responsibly. You will be alerted through email if this ever happens, and it is done only for the animal’s protection.