Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus)
Crocodilians · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) (origin: Amazon basin and the Guianas — mainly fast-flowing, shallow, cool rainforest streams near waterfalls and rapids). Adult size around Males 170–230 cm, females up to ~140 cm. Life expectancy Several decades, often more than 40 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Schneider's smooth-fronted 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, split into one third land, one third shallows (10–20 cm) and one third deeper water from 30 cm. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal, considerably more for large males.
Schneider's smooth-fronted 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 Air and water may drop slightly below 20 °C for a while.
Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Required (UV-A and UV-B); 10–12 hours of lighting in total.
Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: Several decades, often more than 40 years.
Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–30 °C
- Night temperature
- Air and water 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, split into one third land, one third shallows (10–20 cm) and one third deeper water from 30 cm. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal, considerably more for large males.
- 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 170–230 cm, females up to ~140 cm
- Life expectancy
- Several decades, often more than 40 years
- Origin
- Amazon basin and the Guianas — mainly fast-flowing, shallow, cool rainforest streams near waterfalls and rapids
- 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
- Keep singly; pairs only where the animals can be separated, as males are at times aggressive towards females.
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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What you need to start
To keep Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (About 300 × 200 × 100 cm for a pair — 2 m² of land and 4 m² of water, split into one third land, one third shallows (10–20 cm) and one third deeper water from 30 cm. Add 1 m² of land and 1 m² of water per further animal, considerably more for large males.), 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keilkopf-Glattstirnkaiman, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Paleosuchus&species=trigonatus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).