File:Spectacled caiman lying near water - DPLA - 74d5631b3a7a6349f56a366309660ffd.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Crocodilia; Family: Alligatoridae; Genus: Caiman; Genus species: Caiman crocodilus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 243 cm; Weight: 29.5 kg; Identification: The spectacled caiman is brown, yellow-tan, or olive green in color with dark bands crossing its body and tail; Habitat: Ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps; Diet: Carnivore: fish, snails, crabs, mammals, carrion, aquatic invertebrates; Reproduction: Caimans breed during the rainy season, which falls between April and June. Females lay 30 eggs in a nest that they built up under plant growth. The nest is then covered with vegetation, incubating the eggs for 4-8 weeks. This species can live for 60 years; Social Structure: Like most reptiles, spectacled caimans are solitary animals; Behavior: This species can be very aggressive; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Spectacled caimans get their name from the ridge between their eyes; it makes it look like they are wearing eyeglasses. Predators of the caiman include anacondas and jaguars.