The black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) is a crocodilian reptile endemic to South America. With a maximum length of around 5 to 6.5 m (16 to 21 ft) and a mass of over 450 kg (1,000 lb), it is the largest living species of the family Alligatoridae, and the third-largest crocodilian in the Neotropical realm. True to its common and scientific names, the black caiman has a dark greenish-black coloration as an adult. In some individuals, the pigmentation can appear almost jet-black.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Black Caiman being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Osteolaemus tetraspis
- Caiman latirostris
- Caiman crocodilus
- Crocodylus siamensis
- Caiman yacare
- Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Crocodylia
- Family
- Alligatoridae
- Genus
- Melanosuchus
- Species
- Melanosuchus niger
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