Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
Crocodilians · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) (origin: Central and northern South America — still or slow-flowing weedy waters, lakes, ponds, forest swamps and occasionally brackish water). Adult size around up to ~250 cm, ~210 cm on average. Life expectancy Several decades, often more than 40 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Spectacled caiman: How big does the enclosure need to be?
About 500 × 400 × 150 cm for a pair — 5 m² of land and 15 m² of water, at least 70 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 3 m² of water per further animal.
Spectacled caiman: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Locally up to 40 °C under the heat lamp above the land section, at night Not below 22 °C.
Spectacled caiman: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Required (UV-A and UV-B); 10–12 hours of lighting in total.
Spectacled caiman: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: Several decades, often more than 40 years.
Spectacled caiman: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- Not below 22 °C
- 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 500 × 400 × 150 cm for a pair — 5 m² of land and 15 m² of water, at least 70 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 3 m² of water per further animal.
- 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, mussels, frogs and snakes, plus insects; 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
- up to ~250 cm, ~210 cm on average
- Life expectancy
- Several decades, often more than 40 years
- Origin
- Central and northern South America — still or slow-flowing weedy waters, lakes, ponds, forest swamps and occasionally brackish water
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (subspecies C. c. apaporiensis: Appendix I / EU Annex A); registration requirement under BArtSchV, proof of origin required.
- Brumation
- None. Outdoor keeping in the summer months is possible in suitable weather
- Cohabitation
- In pairs or small groups. The species is comparatively social and more tolerant of conspecifics than many other crocodilians, but still needs visual barriers and retreats in water and on land.
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 Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (About 500 × 400 × 150 cm for a pair — 5 m² of land and 15 m² of water, at least 70 cm deep. Add 1 m² of land and 3 m² of water per further animal.), 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/Krokodilkaiman, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Caiman&species=crocodilus
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).