GenusCaiman Crocodilius

It is like a giant clamp, it holds its prey in place while it rips it to shreds, rather like a crocodile or an alligator.

This adaptation really helps the animal to keep hold and devour its meal. It can have between 72 and 78 large, conical teeth.

For Gripping and Ripping Prey

These have adapted so the Spectacled Caiman can swim extremely well. Not just fast, but for long periods of time.

When it is young the feet are very small but grow vastly over time.

The feet are well shaped so they are very streamline in the water.

There are 5 toes each on the front feet and four on the back. These claws also help the animal to burrow into wet mud when the conditions are unbearable.

For Powerful Swimming and Digging

The "armour" of the Caiman is very strong. The Spectacled Caiman is often hunted for

its skin. This Outer layer of hard, rough scales helps

protect the animal if it is attacked by an animal.

It doesn't always defend the Caiman completely but it does take most of the damage.

The Caiman has adapted in this way to survive in the dangerous habitat.

To Defend Itself From Predators

The Spectacled Caimans webbed feet are not the only property of the animal that help it to swim.

The tail on the Caiman can sometimes be longer than the animal itself.

It makes swimming easier for it because it helps maintain balance throughout the reptile.

The tail makes swimming look effortless and easy for the Caiman.

The tail is not rigid, but free, a bit like a snake or shark’s.

This makes the Caiman look elegant when it swims.

For Easy Controlled Movement

Caimans live in a variety of different environments, and the do slightly change colour.

Not as much as a chameleon, but enough to avoid standing out like a sore thumb when hiding or stealthily stalking prey.

The dull brown colour is good for hiding in mud and it will change to a green olive like shade when is a more bushy terrain.

Not just on land though, in the murky waters of the Amazon, they are very hard to spot.

This adaptation is mostly only present in reptiles such as this.

To Avoid Prey and Attackers Eyes

The Spectacled Caiman has adapted perfectly to its surroundings making it a very dangerous predator.