Anyone here has a Cuvier's dwarf caiman?

[Panerai1950]

I am thinking of getting one, would like to know more info about this croc and owner's advises, thanks

 

[nativelover]

build a pond.

and stock up on rats. and giant feeder fish

i think thats a good start. PICS?

 

[ceeej31]

make sure you buy it as a hatchling, and handle it often, this will make it less agressive as an adult.

here is a link:
http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=24&de=576055

 

[bfhslilred93]

I don't have any advice cus i don't have one but my god would i love 2 have one.

 

[zfoster22]

ill trade you a gator for one?

 

[Zoodiver]

Handle them alot when they are growing. Use the same tongs to feed them with - so they associate them with food - and not you. Expect to give them a lot of room in a year or two. A good mix of mammals and fish for a diet works well. Mine spent most of his time right at the waters edge, somewhat under direct light.

 

[Panerai1950]

Handle them alot when they are growing. Use the same tongs to feed them with - so they associate them with food - and not you. Expect to give them a lot of room in a year or two. A good mix of mammals and fish for a diet works well. Mine spent most of his time right at the waters edge, somewhat under direct light.

Thanks for the info, how fragile are they?

Do you have pics of your one? I would like to see the set up of the tank, cheers

 

[yourbestfriend]

my friend paid 200 for one and it got stolen. bummer

 

[Zoodiver]

I used to have pics... I'll have to poke around and see what I can dig up.
I started him in a 90 gallon tank. I created a slop for a 'shoreline'. The terrestrial part had a few small branches and rocks for him to climb over and hide under. The water was just deep enough that he had to swim if he chose to get that far over. He'd sleep submerged quite often. I used a Magnum 350 canister to filter it. I did try live plants for awhile, but he liked to knock them over and crush them.
As for beign fragile, just be careful when they are smaller. Don't be affraid to be bitten... small ones don't hurt. However, if you jerk your hand quickly if it bites you, you can do major jaw damage to them. One they get to 3 feet or so, I wouldn't suggest picking them up unless you had to. They are pretty smart, and will mess with you if you let them.

 

[zfoster22]

my friend paid 200 for one and it got stolen. bummer

did he by chance live in KC cause that does not sound like a common thing and i know that happening here.