Dwarf Caiman Skull Replica

$212.00

Cuvier’s Dwarf Caimans are mainly nocturnal. Adults feed on fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds, crabs, shrimp, molluscs, insects, and other invertebrates. Juveniles consume crustaceans, tadpoles, frogs, snails, as well  as beetles.

Description

Dwarf Caiman Skull Replica measures 8.3 inches. The Dwarf Caiman skull replica is museum quality replicas cast in durable polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

Dwarf Caiman or Paleosuchus palpeborsus are small crocodilian from northern and central South America in the alligator family.

It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela. It lives in riverine forests, flooded forests near lakes, and near fast-flowing rivers and streams.

The Paleosuchus palpeborsus can traverse dry land to reach temporary pools and tolerates colder water than other species of alligator.

Other common names for this species include the musky caiman, the dwarf caiman, Cuvier’s caiman and the smooth-fronted caiman. Paleosuchus palpeborosus are sometimes kept in captivity as a pet and may be referred to as the wedge head caiman by the pet trade.

The Dwarf Caiman or Paleosuchus palpeborsus head has an unusual shape for a crocodilian, with a dome-shaped skull and a short, smooth, concave snout with an upturned tip, the shape rather resembling the head of a dog.

The upper jaw extends markedly further forward than the lower jaw. Four pre-maxillary and 14 to 15 maxillary teeth are on either side of the upper jaw and 21 or 22 teeth on each side of the lower jaw, giving a total of about 80 teeth.

The Dwarf Caiman or Paleosuchus palpeborsus neck is relatively slender and the dorsal scutes are less prominent than in the smooth-fronted caiman. The double rows of scutes on the tail are small and project vertically.

Adults are dark brownish-black with a dark brown head, while juveniles are brown with black bands. The irises of the eyes are chestnut brown at all ages and the pupils are vertical slits.

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is the smallest living New World crocodilian. Males grow to a maximum length around 5.2 ft. while females do not usually exceed 3 ft. 11 in.

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Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dwarf Caimen Facts

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus: Paleosuchus
Species: P. palpebrosus
Binomial name: Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Conservation status: Least concern