Cuvier’s Caiman

Scientific Name: Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Common Names: Dwarf Caiman, Cuvier’s Smooth-fronted Caiman

Maximum adult length: 1.5 metres (4.9 feet)

N.B. Exceptionally large specimens can be found in all species of crocodilian.

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, also known as Cuvier’s smooth-fronted caiman, is a small caiman from northern and central South America. With an adult length of up to 1.6 metres (5.2 feet) in males, and up to 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) in females, it is the smallest species of crocodilian. Juveniles are brown with black banding. Adults are usually darker. They are believed to be the most primitive species of crocodilian.