A caiman (/ ˈ k eɪ m ə n / (also spelled cayman [3]) from Taíno kaiman [4] [additional citation(s) needed]) is an alligatorid belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within the Alligatoridae family, the other being alligators.

The black caiman is a member of the caiman subfamily Caimaninae, and is one of six living species of caiman. It is most closely related to the caimans of the genus Caiman , as shown in the cladogram below, based on molecular DNA-based phylogenetic studies: [ 14 ]

The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), also known as the white caiman, [6] common caiman, [7] and speckled caiman, [8] is a crocodilian in the family Alligatoridae. It is brownish-, greenish-, or yellowish-gray colored and has a spectacle-like ridge between its eyes, which is where its common name come from.

Caimans are usually dull browns, grays, or greens to help keep them camouflaged while they are hunting. All of the caiman the species have a bony ridge that extends from the eyes, down the snout. They have large eyes to help them hunt at night.

Dec 14, 2018 · The black caiman is dark in color, and some individuals can appear black with brown to gray branding on the lower jaw. Young black caimans have vibrant coloring, with pale yellow to white brandings on their flanks, while adults have a dark scaly skin which helps them regulate their body temperature by absorbing heat.

Caimans like to bask in the sun and on the shore and cool off by sinking down into cold water. Black caimans are unique among crocodilians due to much of the juvenile coloration - yellowish stripes and spots - being retained well into adulthood.

May 27, 2024 · Caimans range in size from 1.5m long to 6m long depending on the species. Black caimans are the largest caiman species and have dark grey to black colored, plated skin. Other caiman species range from a dull olive to grey or brown in color with a lighter underside. All have webbed feet with five toes on their front feet and four on their hind feet.

Amongst them is the elusive caiman, a carnivorous semi-aquatic member of the alligator family that calls the Amazon rainforest home. Read on for everything you want to know about caimans (including our favorite facts) – and how you can see one for yourself! The Six Species of Caimans

Juvenile Caimans are yellow in color with black spots and bands on the body and tail. As they mature, they lose this yellow color and the markings become less distinct. Adults are dull olive-green. Spectacled caimans are the most common species of the crocodilian family.

The upperside of the Spectacled caiman is mostly brownish-, greenish-, or yellowish-gray colored and has dark brown crossbands, with a lighter underside. It has a greenish iris and wrinkled eyelids. It changes color seasonally - during colder weather, the black pigment within its skin cells expands, making it appear darker.