The Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), also called a musky caiman and dwarf caiman, is a genus of Caiman native to northern and central South America.
They are the smallest living crocodilians in South America.
They live in freshwater lakes.
It was first described by the French zoologist, Georges Cuvier, in 1807.
They grow up to 1.4 metres (4 ft 7 in) long for males and 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) long for females.
Cuvier's dwarf caiman weigh between 6 kilograms (13 lb) and 7 kilograms (15 lb).
They live up to 40 years.
Cuvier's dwarf caiman was first described by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in
1807.
It is one of only two species in the genus Paleosuchus.
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman has an average length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) for males.
The average length for females is 1.2 m (3.9 ft).
An adult weighs around 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb).
It has strong body armor, which provides protection against predators.
Young dwarf caimans mainly
feed on invertebrates.
It also eats small fish and frogs.
Adults eat larger fish,
amphibians, and invertebrates, such as large molluscs.
It is listed Least concern.
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), also called a musky caiman and dwarf caiman, is a genus of Caiman native to northern and central South America. They are the smallest living crocodilians in South America. They live in freshwater lakes. It was first described by the French zoologist, Georges Cuvier, in 1807. They grow up to 1.4 metres (4 ft 7 in) long for males and 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) long for females. Cuvier's dwarf caiman weigh between 6 kilograms (13 lb) and 7 kilograms (15 lb). They live up to 40 years. Cuvier's dwarf caiman was first described by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in
1807. It is one of only two species in the genus Paleosuchus. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman has an average length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) for males. The average length for females is 1.2 m (3.9 ft). An adult weighs around 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb). It has strong body armor, which provides protection against predators. Young dwarf caimans mainly
feed on invertebrates. It also eats small fish and frogs. Adults eat larger fish,
amphibians, and invertebrates, such as large molluscs. It is listed Least concern.
Cuvier's dwarf caiman