Black Caiman Skull Replica

$696.00

The Black Caiman is structurally dissimilar to other caiman species, particularly in the shape of the skull. it has distinctly larger eyes. Although the snout is relatively narrow, the skull is much larger overall than other caimans.

Description

Black Caiman Skull Replica measures 23.3 inches. Black Caiman Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Black caiman or Melanosuchus niger is a species of large crocodilian and, along with the American alligator, is one of the biggest extant members of the family Alligatoridae and order Crocodilia.

It is a carnivorous reptile that lives along the slow moving rivers, lakes, seasonally flooded savannas of the Amazon basin, and in other freshwater habitats of South America.

The black caiman or Melanosuchus niger has dark colored, scaly skin. The skin coloration helps with camouflage during its nocturnal hunts, but may also help absorb heat.

The lower jaw has grey banding (brown in older animals), and pale yellow or white bands are present across the flanks of the body, although these are much more prominent in juveniles.

The Melanosuchus niger is structurally dissimilar to other caiman species, particularly in the shape of the skull. Compared to other caimans, it has distinctly larger eyes. Although the snout is relatively narrow, the skull is much larger overall than other caimans.

The Melanosuchus niger eyes are large, as befits its largely nocturnal activity, and brown in color. Mothers on guard near their nests are tormented by blood sucking flies that gather around their vulnerable eyes, leaving them bloodshot.

The black caiman is the largest predator in the Amazon ecosystem, preying on a variety of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It is a generalist and apex predator, potentially capable of taking any animal within its range, including other predators.

Few ecological studies have been carried out on the species, but the black caiman has its own ecological niche that enables coexistence without too much competition.

As the largest predator in the ecosystem, it may also be a keystone species, playing an important role of maintaining the structure of the ecosystem.

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Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 23.3 in
Black Caiman Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus: Melanosuchus
Species: M. niger
Conservation status: Conservation Dependent