Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)

Short answers

Cuvier's dwarf caiman: How big does the enclosure need to be?

About 300 × 200 × 100 cm for a pair — 2 m² of land and 4 m² of water, at least 30 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal. For large animals, use twice the total length as both length and width.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–30 °C, basking spot Locally up to 40 °C under the heat lamp above the land section, at night May drop slightly below 20 °C for a while.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Required (UV-A and UV-B); 10–12 hours of lighting in total.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: Several decades, often more than 40 years.

Cuvier's dwarf caiman: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–30 °C

Night temperature

May drop slightly below 20 °C for a while

Basking spot

Locally up to 40 °C under the heat lamp above the land section

UVB

Required (UV-A and UV-B); 10–12 hours of lighting in total

Enclosure

Minimum size

About 300 × 200 × 100 cm for a pair — 2 m² of land and 4 m² of water, at least 30 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal. For large animals, use twice the total length as both length and width.

Substrate

Soil, peat, bark mulch, sand or fine rounded gravel. Rounded pebbles must be within reach as gastroliths.

Feeding

Food

Rodents and other small mammals, fish and mussels, plus insects; pieces of meat and fish dusted with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

Adults once a week; juveniles daily with 1–2 fasting days

Key facts

Adult size

Males up to ~180 cm, females up to ~140 cm (the smallest crocodilian)

Life expectancy

Several decades, often more than 40 years

Origin

Northern South America — fast-flowing and calm rainforest rivers, often shaded, small canyons; rarely lagoons

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B; must be reported to the German authority, proof of origin required

Brumation

None. Outdoor keeping in summer is possible as long as a heated retreat is reachable at all times

Cohabitation

In pairs. Visual barriers, several land and water areas and a way to separate animals are essential; subordinate animals should be removed.

Notes

LEGAL: In Germany crocodilians count as dangerous animals. Keeping them is governed by each federal state — several ban it in private hands, the rest require a permit. Settle this with the responsible authority before acquiring an animal, not after. On top of that come species protection law (CITES / EU Regulation 338/97), a duty to notify the nature conservation authority and, for many species, mandatory microchipping. Proof of expertise is required. DANGER: Even the small species can inflict serious injuries. The enclosure must be escape-proof, digging out must be impossible, and there must be a way to separate animals safely. ROOM FOR A LIFETIME: Crocodilians live for decades. An animal that has outgrown its enclosure is next to impossible to rehome — the enclosure has to be big enough for the adult animal from the start. Reptoria does not broker crocodilians. This page is for information only.

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Related species

• Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) – Expert
• Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) – Expert
• Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) – Expert
• American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) – Expert
• African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (About 300 × 200 × 100 cm for a pair — 2 m² of land and 4 m² of water, at least 30 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal. For large animals, use twice the total length as both length and width.), substrate (Soil, peat, bark mulch, sand or fine rounded gravel. Rounded pebbles must be within reach as gastroliths.), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.