Latin name: Caiman crocidilus

The Caiman is a cousin of the Alligator, found in the rainforests of central and South America. They look like alligators, except that:

  1. They are about 40% smaller (Adults average 6 feet in length)
  2. Their scales are smoother,
  3. They are brown, and
  4. Their snouts are more tapered than an alligator's.
Like most crocodilians, they eat anything they can kill. Caimans make bad pets, but Ugly Americans still sometimes buy young specimens for just that purpose. They are also farmed for luggage and purse material.

Thanks to for a PC look at the caiman.

Cai"man (?), n. Zool.

See Cayman.


© Webster 1913.

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