Cuvier's (Smooth Fronted) Dwarf Caiman
(Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
Distribution
This species of crocodilian is known under more than one common name other names it is sometimes referred to, as are Dwarf Caiman, Cuvier’s Caiman, Smooth Fronted Caiman and Musky Caiman.
Cuvier’s Caiman lives in fast flowing streams and rivers within rainforests in Guyana, French Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Columbia, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela. There are no known subspecies at present.
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you, it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same for them).
Juveniles of this species often feed better in small groups or pairs.
Size
Males are usually larger than the females. Males can reach sizes of up to 1.5m (5ft), although the average is 135cm (4.5ft). The females usually do not exceed 105cm (3.5ft); occasionally they reach 120cm (4ft). They are heavily armoured for their size; this helps to protect them from predators and the ravages of its fast flowing habitat.
Diet
Adults are opportunistic and will take virtually anything in the wild ranging from crustaceans, fish and snails through to birds and small rodents. As a result of this captive Cuvier’s Caiman require quite a varied diet. This can include; small rodents, day old chicks, fish (a large variety), crabsticks, molluscs, African land snails, large insects, chicken and beef. All the foods offered should be cut into reasonably manageable pieces. It is best to feed dwarf caiman twice weekly.
Juveniles should be offered fish, insects, small land snails, and crabsticks. These should be fed 5 times weekly.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - The heat source should always be thermostatically controlled and guarded to prevent thermal burns. Heat sources, which can be used for this species, are reflector spotlights (green or red). Ceramic or tubular heaters can also be used.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - This is essential for this species and the best brand to use at present is the Reptisun 10.0. It should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking animal and left on for 10-12 hours daily. This should be replaced every 6-7 months depending on the producer’s advice. Care should be taken if your reptile has unpigmented eyes (amelanistic or albinos or any other red eyed morph) as it can damage their eyes. UV lights should never be placed behind glass or plastic as this filters out the essential UV rays. Vitamin D3 supplements should not be used whilst UV lighting is used. In larger enclosures UV powerbulbs can be used to good effect.
- Housing: - A securely locked enclosure is required. Juveniles can be kept in a large secure aquarium. Adults would require a large secure enclosure. The land area available to your caiman must be at least twice the animal’s length. With a large water area for the caiman to submerge itself and move in without too much difficulty. A walk in enclosure (i.e. a small converted room) is ideal for a pair of this species, although they are an easily stressed species so making as much of the maintenance as external as possible is a must.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every enclosure and is required to regulate the internal temperatures of the enclosure and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at each end of the enclosure in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the enclosure. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as these are often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your Caiman to hide away from the outside world. Hides on the land and underwater are essential.
Water
The water in caiman enclosures should be heated using a large aquarium heater. this should be guarded or hidden in the water filter. A fitted pond is the best option for this species; it is best to have a Drain/plug or an external tap fitted for ease of cleaning. A strong filtration unit must also be fitted in the pond; it is best to have this boxed in to prevent the Caiman damaging it or externally fitted for ease of access and to minimize stress. Even with a filtration unit, the water area should be cleaned out every 10 days or as necessary.
Temperature
Dwarf Caiman require water that is heated to around 23 to 27C (75 to 82F). A basking area must be available to your caiman that reaches temperatures of between 30 and 35 C (86 and 95F). The cooler end should reach at least 25C (77F).
Longevity
This species of crocodilian has been reported living up to 25 years in captivity, however some may live longer than this.
Substrate
A concrete substrate should never be used as the sole substrate, as this is one of the principal causes of pedal dermatitis in crocodilians. Substrates such as bark mulch mixed with peat are fine for this species, as this allows burrowing behaviour to occur and aids in maintaining humidity levels.
NB – A dangerous Wild Animals License is currently required in order to keep this species, your local Environmental Health Officer at the council will be able to give you more information. It is best to contact DEFRA as to what paperwork is required also.
Photograph taken by Stuart Dodsworth.
Map Taken from http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_ppal.htm
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Paleosuchus_SP_palpebrosus']
www.crocodilian.com
Local Environmental Health Officer at The Council
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_ppal.htm
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