Smooth-fronted caiman
Paleosuchus trigonatus
The smooth-fronted caiman camouflages itself among the riverbed rocks or tree roots to stalk its prey. Its young and juveniles eat crustaceans and insects, whereas adults eat mainly fish. With their hard shells, tortoises are not part of the smooth-fronted caiman’s diet.
Conservation
The species is harmless to humans, although its mouth is full of sharp teeth. Neither do humans threaten the smooth-fronted caiman, since its skin is rendered useless for making clothes or accessories by the tough bone armour – luckily for the caiman.
The species is part of the CITES convention, which regulates the international trade of endangered or threatened animals and plants.
Tropical house Amazonia
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Scientific classification
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Alligatoridae
Subfamily: Caimaninae