What is Cuvier's dwarf caiman?
[[File:Dwarf Caiman in Paignton Zoo.jpg|thumb|300px|{{center|A Cuvier's dwarf caiman}}]] The '''Cuvier's dwarf caiman''' (''Paleosuchus palpebrosus''), also called a '''musky caiman''' and '''dwarf caiman''', is a [[genus]] of [[Caiman]] native to northern and central [[South America]]. They are the smallest living [[crocodilian]]s in South America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/27621020 |title=The Cuvier's dwarf caiman or Musky caiman |publisher=Networked Organisms |access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> They live in freshwater lakes. It was first described by the [[France|French]] [[zoologist]], [[Georges Cuvier]], in 1807.<ref name=AbtAnim>{{cite web |url=https://www.aboutanimals.com/reptile/cuviers-dwarf-caiman/ |title=Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman |publisher=About Animals |access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> They grow up to {{convert|1.4|m}} long for males and {{convert|1.2|m}} long for females. Cuvier's dwarf caiman weigh between {{convert|6|kg}} and {{convert|7|kg}}.<ref name=AbtAnim/> They live up to 40 years.<ref name=AbtAnim/> Cuvier's dwarf caiman was first described by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in 1807. It is one of only two species in the genus [[Paleosuchus]]. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman has an average length of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) for males. The average length for females is 1.2 m (3.9 ft). An adult weighs around 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb). It has strong body armor, which provides protection against predators. Young dwarf caimans mainly feed on [[invertebrates]]. It also eats small fish and frogs. Adults eat larger fish, [[amphibians]], and invertebrates, such as large [[molluscs]]. It is listed [[Least concern]]. == References == {{reflist}} == Other websites == * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9yWcG75mmg Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) feeding video; YouTube] {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Crocodilia]] [[Category:Reptiles of South America]]