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Black Caiman

(Melanosuchus niger)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

The black caiman is one of the biggest member of the alligator family – they are the largest predator in the Amazon basin and commonly reach lengths of 14 feet. They are generally more stout of body than other crocodilians. Large adults are able to overpower and eat almost any vertebrate unfortunate enough to come within striking range – even large river turtles are not immune to the immense force of the black caiman’s bite.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_caiman

http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/csp_mnig.htm

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Sauropsida
Order - Crocodilia
Family - Alligatoridae
Genus - Melanosuchus
Species - M. niger

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The report of my breath was an exaggeration

For years, the Komodo dragon was accused of having a mouth so filthy that even if you escaped its terrible bite, you were doomed to eventually die from the ensuing bacterial infection. However, recent studies on Komodo dragons demonstrated that this was unfair, as they have mouths cleaner than many mammalian carnivores. It turns out the reality is worse than the myth: they have poison glands! Komodo dragons produce a venom that sends prey into shock while keeping its blood from clotting. A deer or pig who “escapes” will run off and go into shock, often bleeding out from its wounds within 3 hours, leaving an easy treat for the dragon.

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