Head to head
Yacare Caiman vs Spectacled Caiman
Yacare Caiman
VS Spectacled Caiman
The yacare caiman and spectacled caiman are two close relatives in the genus Caiman that look alike and share parts of the South American lowlands.
| Yacare Caiman | Spectacled Caiman | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Caiman yacare | Caiman crocodilus |
| Relationship | A close relative of the spectacled caiman, in the same genus | A close relative of the yacare caiman, in the same genus |
| Size | Grows to around 2.5 metres, with males larger than females | Males typically 2 to 2.5 metres, occasionally 3 metres, olive to yellowish, with a bony spectacle ridge linking the front of the eyes |
| Diet | Mostly fish, including piranha, as well as snails, crustaceans, frogs, and the occasional bird or small mammal | Shifts from insects and crustaceans as a hatchling to fish, amphibians, snails, birds, and small mammals, with large ones taking capybara and other caimans |
| Habitat | Seasonal wetlands, rivers, and lagoons, gathering in dry-season pools | Rivers, lakes, swamps, brackish water, ranch ponds, and heavily disturbed and man-made wetlands |
| Range | Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, with the Pantanal as its stronghold | From southern Mexico through Central America and northern and central South America, and established in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Cuba |
| Skin trade | Was heavily hunted for its skin in the twentieth century, and recovered under controls | Became the mainstay of the skin trade as bigger crocodilians were hunted out, with ranching now supplying much of the market |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern |
Yacare Caiman vs Spectacled Caiman: common questions
Which caiman has the widest range?
The spectacled caiman, which has the widest range and largest total population of any crocodilian.
Which one is invasive in Florida?
The spectacled caiman, which has established breeding populations in southern Florida, Puerto Rico, and Cuba from released or escaped pets.
Where do yacare caimans live?
In seasonal wetlands, rivers, and lagoons in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, with the Pantanal as their stronghold.