This will cover both species of caiman that are best suited for captive care. This means Cuvier's dwarf caiman( Paleosuchus palpebrosus) and Schneider's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) with the later being covered first. Let it be known that I am far from an expert, simply a hobbyist that enjoys caiman and all kinds of crocs.
First up is Scheider's dwarf. They are a simple caiman to keep with a manageable size. Males can achieve sizes of 2.3 m(7.5 ft) with an average of 1.7m(5.5ft) or slightly larger. Females are a good bit smaller with an average size of 1.2 m to 1.4m (approx 4ft to 4.5ft). Both sexes have a notorius temper and constant handling is NOT gonna solve that problem. Please do not get into these thinking you can cuddle up with them. With enough work an american alligator may become super tame but these are not gators. These have a legendary temper. Keep this in mind when choosing your species. Cuviers is supposed to be a bit more calm. I have zero first hand experience with Cuviers so I am not sure on this.
Adults of both sexes prefer to spend copious amounts of time in burrows. They will spend most of the day in these burrows only coming out at night. Night is when they tend to venture into the water as well as explore the rest of their surroundings. This is not always the case. Some keepers have experienced caiman preferring to spend their time in water. This may be an issue linked to other problems such as temp, etc. Maybe not but maybe so. They can cover large amounts of land in the night, so be sure to provide enough land. A hide is a must. More land than water is actually preferred with this species. A temp of mid to high 70s for the entire enclosure is acceptable. Water should be low 70's. Some keepers(such as my self) use multiple ponds to provide two different water temps. This allows the caiman to choose what temp they want and simply allows for better thermo-regulation.
In the wild juveniles tend to eat a large amount of insects and fish. Adults tend to eat more large rodents, snakes etc. In captivity diet should be varied. Rodents, fish, organ meat, commercial food, etc. Do not, and i mean do not, feed just steaks, ground beef, chicken breasts etc. This does not have the best nutrients available. A diet consisting of just that will result in serious consequences for the animal. Improper bone growth etc. Be aware when purchasing your caiman and bringing it home with you, that it may not eat for awhile. This is not a cause for concern as caiman can stress quite easily. Give it time. During this time leave it alone as much as possible. Be advised that some caimans are also finicky on home they except food. Some want basking lights, some want it in the burrow, some even in their water. Every caiman is different so try different places until it eats.
While captive breeding is possible it is not common. These tend to be solitary in the wild, but can stand enclosure mates in captivity. Not always but sometimes. Another reason is the age. Males tend to be 10 to 20 years old before they are ready for breeding, with females being similar. They do not breed often, with an average of a single clutch 3 to 4 years. 10 to 20 eggs per clutch is average. Incubation is quite long with an average exceeding 110 days. Hatchings are much more sensitive than adults. Adults are quite tough. Something that also should be considered when purchasing.
Now that we covered all that lets cover the big things. Yes these are very aggressive. As hatchlings and sub adults they are a bit more skittish. As they grow they will come after you!! Do not get complacent with them. Even at a small size these have a very powerful bite and can do significant damage. If bitten do not pull back. Hold in place and carefully pry open the mouth. This will limit the damage done to you, but if done incorrectly can harm the caiman. Of course at the time its what is more important, you or the caiman. Housing can be quite complicated. The proper size can be difficult to figure out. For this species more land than water is preferred so 3 to 4 times the size of the animal should be sufficient for land with 2 to 3 times for water.
Enclosure mates can include but not limited to other caimans of similar size(if there is sufficient space) turtles(painted, sliders etc but no aggressive turtles such as snappers) and sometimes fish. These are likely to be eaten so don't put your favorite fish in with them. Smaller fish have a good chance at being left alone when the caiman is larger.
I'm sure i missed stuff as this was typed quickly. I will cover cuviers at a later date unless someone wants to beat me to it. Any questions, comments concerns feel free to state. Be advised that caiman are not a pet for everyone. They take perseverance and patience. Nothing I said here should be taken word for word. There always is leeway this is just suggestions. I may have missed some stuff if so I will add it when I get the chance.
If I missed anything, please tell me what. Thanks!!
First up is Scheider's dwarf. They are a simple caiman to keep with a manageable size. Males can achieve sizes of 2.3 m(7.5 ft) with an average of 1.7m(5.5ft) or slightly larger. Females are a good bit smaller with an average size of 1.2 m to 1.4m (approx 4ft to 4.5ft). Both sexes have a notorius temper and constant handling is NOT gonna solve that problem. Please do not get into these thinking you can cuddle up with them. With enough work an american alligator may become super tame but these are not gators. These have a legendary temper. Keep this in mind when choosing your species. Cuviers is supposed to be a bit more calm. I have zero first hand experience with Cuviers so I am not sure on this.
Adults of both sexes prefer to spend copious amounts of time in burrows. They will spend most of the day in these burrows only coming out at night. Night is when they tend to venture into the water as well as explore the rest of their surroundings. This is not always the case. Some keepers have experienced caiman preferring to spend their time in water. This may be an issue linked to other problems such as temp, etc. Maybe not but maybe so. They can cover large amounts of land in the night, so be sure to provide enough land. A hide is a must. More land than water is actually preferred with this species. A temp of mid to high 70s for the entire enclosure is acceptable. Water should be low 70's. Some keepers(such as my self) use multiple ponds to provide two different water temps. This allows the caiman to choose what temp they want and simply allows for better thermo-regulation.
In the wild juveniles tend to eat a large amount of insects and fish. Adults tend to eat more large rodents, snakes etc. In captivity diet should be varied. Rodents, fish, organ meat, commercial food, etc. Do not, and i mean do not, feed just steaks, ground beef, chicken breasts etc. This does not have the best nutrients available. A diet consisting of just that will result in serious consequences for the animal. Improper bone growth etc. Be aware when purchasing your caiman and bringing it home with you, that it may not eat for awhile. This is not a cause for concern as caiman can stress quite easily. Give it time. During this time leave it alone as much as possible. Be advised that some caimans are also finicky on home they except food. Some want basking lights, some want it in the burrow, some even in their water. Every caiman is different so try different places until it eats.
While captive breeding is possible it is not common. These tend to be solitary in the wild, but can stand enclosure mates in captivity. Not always but sometimes. Another reason is the age. Males tend to be 10 to 20 years old before they are ready for breeding, with females being similar. They do not breed often, with an average of a single clutch 3 to 4 years. 10 to 20 eggs per clutch is average. Incubation is quite long with an average exceeding 110 days. Hatchings are much more sensitive than adults. Adults are quite tough. Something that also should be considered when purchasing.
Now that we covered all that lets cover the big things. Yes these are very aggressive. As hatchlings and sub adults they are a bit more skittish. As they grow they will come after you!! Do not get complacent with them. Even at a small size these have a very powerful bite and can do significant damage. If bitten do not pull back. Hold in place and carefully pry open the mouth. This will limit the damage done to you, but if done incorrectly can harm the caiman. Of course at the time its what is more important, you or the caiman. Housing can be quite complicated. The proper size can be difficult to figure out. For this species more land than water is preferred so 3 to 4 times the size of the animal should be sufficient for land with 2 to 3 times for water.
Enclosure mates can include but not limited to other caimans of similar size(if there is sufficient space) turtles(painted, sliders etc but no aggressive turtles such as snappers) and sometimes fish. These are likely to be eaten so don't put your favorite fish in with them. Smaller fish have a good chance at being left alone when the caiman is larger.
I'm sure i missed stuff as this was typed quickly. I will cover cuviers at a later date unless someone wants to beat me to it. Any questions, comments concerns feel free to state. Be advised that caiman are not a pet for everyone. They take perseverance and patience. Nothing I said here should be taken word for word. There always is leeway this is just suggestions. I may have missed some stuff if so I will add it when I get the chance.
If I missed anything, please tell me what. Thanks!!
