Black Caimans description
Largest species in the family Alligatoridae (males can reach at least 4 metres, and huge 6 metre caimans have been reported but not confirmed). General appearance not dissimilar to Alligator mississippiensis. As the common name suggests, they have a dark colouration. The lower jaw has grey banding (brown in older animals), and pale yellow or white bands are present across the flanks of the body, although these are more prominent in juveniles. This banding fades only gradually as the animal matures. Structurally dissimilar to other caiman species, particularly in the shape of the skull. Has distinctly larger eyes, and a relatively narrow snout. The bony ridge extending from above the eyes down the snout, as seen in other caiman, is present.
Caiman
A relatively small to medium sized crocodilian (males generally reach 2.0 m to 2.5 m, with the largest specimens reported to approach 3 m - but these are undoubtedly rare). Females are smaller, reaching a mean maximum size of 1.4 m, and rare individuals may approach 2 m. Its common name derives from a bony ridge which is present between the front of the eyes (infra-orbital bridge), appearing to join the eyes like a pair of spectacles. A triangular ridge is present on the heavily-ossified upper eyelids, vaguely reminiscent of those on the dinosaur Allosaurus. Juveniles are yellow in colour with black spots and bands on the body and tail. As they mature, they lose this yellow colour and the markings become less distinct. Adults are dull olive-green. This species (probably along with several others, including A. mississippiensis) has shown a limited ability to change colour (metachrosis) due to changes in the distribution of black pigment in melanophore cells. The different subspecies vary in colour, size and skull shape.
