Broad-snouted caiman
A species of Typical caimans, Also known as Broad-nosed caiman Scientific name : Caiman latirostris Genus : Typical caimans
Broad-snouted caiman, A species of Typical caimans
Also known as:
Broad-nosed caiman
Scientific name: Caiman latirostris
Genus: Typical caimans
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Fedaro , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a crocodilian reptile found in eastern and central South America, including southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is found mostly in freshwater marshes, swamps, and mangroves, usually in still or very slow-moving waters. It will often use man-made cow ponds.
General Info
Lifespan
30-40 years
Diet
Broad-snouted caiman has an omnivorous diet, consuming a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and small amphibians. However, broad-snouted caiman particularly prefers gastropods and crabs, found abundantly in its wetland habitats.
Appearance
Broad-snouted caiman are medium-sized crocodilians with a broad, robust snout. Their skin is scaly and dark, ranging from greenish-black to brown. Key features include a heavy armored hide studded with bony plates and a tail prime for propulsion in water. Males tend to be larger than females, with larger heads and thicker tails. Young ones display more vibrant markings that fade as they mature. There's a notable lack of significant differences within subspecies.
Behavior
Broad-snouted caiman is a largely nocturnal reptile exhibiting solitary behavior unless it's the breeding season. Known for its ambush predation strategy, it remains motionless until prey is within striking range. Broad-snouted caiman exhibits territorial aggression, particularly males during mating periods. As an ectothermic animal, it thermoregulates by basking in the sun or cooling off in the water.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Crocodilians Family
Alligators and caimans Genus
Typical caimans Species
Broad-snouted caiman 
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