The largest of these species is the black caiman, a potentially dangerous animal attaining a maximum length of about 4.5 metres (15 feet). The other species normally attain lengths of about 1.2–2.1 metres, with a maximum of about 2.7 metres in the spectacled caiman. Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger).
As the caiman grows and is feeding well, the accommodations will need to be larger. A 55 gallon or 100 gallon aquarium would be the next best size. Every habitat should have an area with a basking spot.
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman is a social species but very territorial in nature. They can be found alone or in pairs for most of the year but they come together mainly during the breeding season. The male dwarf caiman mates with more than a single female and copulates at night near shallow waters.Dec 24, 2015
Dwarf crocodiles attain a medium adult length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft), though the maximum recorded length for this species is 1.9 m (6.2 ft). Adult specimens typically weigh between 18 and 32 kg (40 and 71 lb), with the largest females weighing up to 40 kg (88 lb) and the largest males weighing 80 kg (180 lb).
Even the smallest caiman has a fearsome bite and these animals don't usually bond closely with humans. They are not hands-on pets and you need some expertise even for the minimal necessary handling and feeding. For obvious reasons, no householder with small children should consider adopting a caiman.
Schneider's dwarf caiman, also known as smooth-fronted caiman or Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman, is slightly larger than its close relative, Cuvier's dwarf caiman. Males reach an adult length of 1.8 metres (5.9 feet), with the largest recorded specimen being 2.6 metres (8.5 feet).
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman has an average length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) for males. The average length for females is 1.2 m (3.9 ft). An adult weighs around 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb). It has strong body armor, which provides protection against predators.
Cuvier's dwarf caiman are most commonly found in the wetlands of Brazil, French Guiana, Surinam, Guyana & Venezuela. They are also widespread throughout the Orinoco and Amazon basins.
Compared to other caimans, juvenile Smooth-fronted caimans eat lot of terrestrial invertebrates and the adults include a larger proportion of terrestrial vertebrates in their diet, e.g. snakes and large rodents. The juveniles also eat quite a lot of fish, but as the animal grows bigger it will eat less and less fish.
Caiman are native to Central and South America, and their distribution in Florida will probably remain confined to south Florida because they cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
The broad-snouted caiman is a medium-sized, highly aquatic species of caiman that prefers marsh, swamp, and mangrove habitats. It is generally found in densely vegetated, quieter waters. Adults can reach a length of 3 metres (9.8 feet), but most males grow no larger than 2 metres (6.5 feet).
Though somewhat undetermined, current estimates place caimans' life expectancy at 30-40 years. It should be noted, however, that larger crocodilians have been documented with lifespans of 70-90 years. Some accounts allow for crocodilian lifespans in excess of 100 years.
Diet: The diet differs for the young and adults. The young feed on insects, crabs, frogs, tadpoles, shrimp, snails and small fish. Adults feed on fish, frogs, tadpoles, snails, small mammals and a wide variety of insects. Their prey is usually swallowed whole or in large pieces.
