American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

The largest, the endangered American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) lives along rivers and estuaries and can grow up to 13 feet in length (~4 m; larger in some cases). Crocodiles eat large prey including fish, birds and mammals.

Most crocodiles lay eggs in a nest that is made of leaves or other vegetation that keeps the eggs warm as it decomposes. The mother crocodile protects the eggs and may become aggressive if someone approaches the nest.

American Crocodiles have been killed for their valuable skins (made into crocodile-skin boots and belts) and have been persecuted as a threat to humans. Attacks on humans are very rare, but do occur.

Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)

In the smaller rivers, backwater bays and jungle ponds, the Spectacled Caiman is king of the jungle. These smaller crocodilians reach a maximum of about eight feet (2.5 m). Caimans eat frogs, fish, birds and small mammals.

An interesting fact about caimans and crocodiles is that their eyes reflect a brilliant ruby-red color when shined with a flashlight. This makes locating them at night easy, and can be bad for the crocodiles if poachers are trying to kill them for their valued skins.

American Crocodile
Scientific Name: Crocodylus acutus

Spectacled Caiman
Scientific Name: Caiman crocodilus

• Maximum Size: 22 feet (7.3 m)
• Hatching Size: 10 inches (250 mm)
• Number of Eggs: 20-60
• Lower Jaw: 15 pairs of teeth
• Upper Jaw: 13-14 pairs of teeth
• Range: United States to Ecuador
• Status: Vulnerable (IUCN), Endangered (USA)
• Activity: Day and Night

• Maximum Size: 7 feet (2.2 m)
• Hatching Size: up to 10.5 inches (260 mm)
• Number of Eggs: 15-40
• Lower Jaw: 18-20 pairs of teeth
• Upper Jaw: 14-16 pairs of teeth
• Range: Southern Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil
• Status: Common
• Activity: Mostly Night