My Pics Page
Be advised, I used a metric conversion table to calculate the size max for each species. If they are incorrect, please let me know. I took alot of these pics at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, while others came from The Toledo Zoo, Cincinati Zoo, Central Florida Zoological Park, Jungle Adventures, and of my own collection. I have no problem with anyone using them for their own projects, as long as you do not use them to make profit.
Scientific: Caiman crocodilus
Common: spectacled or common caiman
A species indigenous to Central and South America. The name comes from the
bony ridge running between the eye ridges, which gives the appearance of the
nose piece on glasses, hence the name "Spectacled". They are a relatively
small crocodilian with a maximum length of 8 feet having been recorded. That
size is rare nowadays, the average being around 6 feet. The common caiman
tends to be an aggressive species and has historically been extremely common
in the pet industry. New USFWS regulations (effective 10 June, 2000) are
dramatically reducing the numbers being imported into the US market. It is
reported that there are now breeding populations of spectacled caiman in
Florida.
My new croc is a 4 foot Caiman crocodilus "spectacled caiman", which was
given to me by a gentleman in Michigan, where I live. He was unable to care
for it do to the caiman's size and disagreeable nature. This caiman is
highly aggressive and will try to bite. I am a large guy, but that doesn't
affect him in the least. When I originally got him he had some injuries to
his jaw and was thin. He now eats about a pound of chicken or fish a week.
He has fattened up quite well and has grown a few inches.
Here are some recent ones of george, decided on george instead of the usually smiley or chomper or wally. He is growing nicely and NO he is not any nicer.
This is my other Spec. Caiman. I call him Beau. You would not believe it, from this pic, but he is very easy going. He or maybe she is a little over 3 feet.
What a pretty smile :)
Crocodilian.com
Scientific: Alligator Mississppiensis (What a mouthful)
Common: American Alligator
The American Alligator is probably the most well known crocodilian, followed by the Saltie. They range throughout the Southeastern US. A very heavy bodied crocodilian. They have enormous power in their jaws. The maximum growth is approx. 14 feet, although individuals over 12 feet are very rare. there are a few known that are over 13 feet. One of these being "Big Al" at Silver Springs in Ocala Florida, which is also the home of Sobek an American Crocodile claimed to be 17 feet long.
Classic display of cooling. The mouth is opened to allow body heat to be released through the evaporation of fluids in the mouth.
This one is about 10-12 feet in length, notice the missing right front foot. This is a very large individual.
This one was a beautiful specimin at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the only publicly open place where you can see all 23 recognised species of crocodilian.
Scientific: Alligator Sinensis
Common: Chinese Alligator
The Chinese Alligator is a wonderful animal. Small sized crocodilian reaching 6 feet max. An endangered species, due to loss of habitat. Not useful to the skin traders, their hide is very rough an not attractive in the leather uses.
In the immortal words of Bill Moss "A Puppy Pile"
Scientific: Caiman Latirostris
Common: Broad Snouted Caiman
Max Length is approx. 11 feet. A larger member of the Caiman family.
Just hanging out
Scientific: Melanosuchus Niger
Common: The Black Caiman
The largest of the Aligatoridae family. The Black Caiman can grow to between 13 and 19 feet. Although the chances of running into a 19 foot individual would be rare. They are considered extremely aggressive, and are notorious in the areas of South America where they live.
Life is good
Scientific: Crocodylus Intermedius
Common: Orinoco Crocodile
A South American species. Indicated by a slender snout. they can grow to 16 feet. They share their home with Caiman and are not above taking a chance to have a Caiman for a snack.
I dont think I have ever seen one with a straight snout
Scientific: Crocodylus Niloticus
Common: Nile Crocodile
Boy where do we start? A huge aggressive animal. They are responsible for numerous human fatalities each year. This is the animal you see in most documentaries, exploding out of the water and dragging a deer back into a watery grave. These guys can grow to 18 feet in length.
Should I move back?
Believe it or not people are buying these guys for anywhere from $200.00 to $500.00. Do they know that these guys can grow to 18 feet? They are also very and I mean VERY aggressive! Please don't buy one. Only people with extreme amounts of experience and the room for one should even think of it.
Scientific: Crocodylus Porosus
Common: Estuarine Crocodile or Saltwater Crocodile
This is the big BOY. Although thought of as only an Austalian creature they are found throughout Southeast Asia. Huge and I mean HUGE. They can grow over 20 feet, though I do not know of a single pure C. Porosus that large. Gomek at St. Augustine was one of the largest in captivity at 17 feet 6 inches. Yai in Thailand is considered the Largest at 19 feet, but is believed to be a C. Porosus x C. Siamensis (Siamese Crocodile)hybrid.
Wanna go for a swim?
Notice the odd color of the eye? Well that is because crocodilians use a protective covering while under water, called a nictitating membrane. This membrane is like a goggle for each eye. It protects the eye while allowing them to see under the water.
Scientific: Crocodylus Rhombifer
Common: Cuban Crocodile
Ah the Cuban Crocodile. I really like these guys. they have such a beautiful coloration. They are closely related to the American Crocodile (C. Acutus) while a few variations. They are smaller only growing to a max of around 11 feet. Did I just say that...Only 11 feet?
Scientific: Osteolaemus Tetraspis
Common: Dwarf Crocodile
I really don't know a whole lot about the Dwarf Crocodile. I know they are the smallest of the Family "Crocodylae" with a length of around 5-6 feet with the largest recorded individual being 6 foot 3 inches. I know they exhibit some traits associated with Dwarf Caiman, such as Nocternal and liking to hide in vegetation.
I'm starting to get that strange feeling that everything is going to be just fine.....from the movie "Lake Placid"
I strongly recomend that you visit Crocodilian.com
They have a complete listing of all 23 recognised species of crocodilians. The listing also includes size, habitat range, and more pics of the crocs.
All of the pics shown here were taken by me. I don't mind if you want to cut and paste them, I just ask that you use them respectfully.
