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Description
Caiman Lizard
Scientific Name: Dracaena guianensis
Common Name: Caiman Lizard
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) in total length, with a large portion of this length made up of their powerful, laterally compressed tail.
Appearance: Caiman Lizards are heavily built, semi-aquatic lizards with striking coloration. They display a bright orange to red head, olive or emerald-green body, and large, bead-like scales reminiscent of a caiman’s armour. Their jaws are extremely robust, adapted for cracking snail shells. The tail is long, muscular, and flattened, aiding in swimming. Juveniles are more muted in tone, becoming more vibrant as they mature.
Distribution: Native to northern and central South America, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Habitat: This species inhabits swampy forests, flooded woodlands, marshes, and riverbanks. They spend substantial time in or near water, basking on branches overhanging rivers, ponds, or lagoons.
Behaviour: Caiman Lizards are diurnal and strong swimmers. They often dive into water to escape predators and can remain submerged for extended periods. Their natural diet consists largely of snails, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and occasional fish. While powerful and imposing, they are generally calm but highly defensive if cornered.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a large enclosure at least 8 feet × 4 feet × 4 feet (2.4 × 1.2 × 1.2 m) for an adult. Include a large water area deep enough for full-body submersion and swimming. Secure basking platforms, branches, and elevated shelves are important for climbing and thermoregulation. Use durable materials, as they are strong and can damage weak enclosures.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 95–100°F (35–38°C)
Ambient temperature: 80–90°F (27–32°C)
Night temperatures: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Maintain high humidity at 70–90%, with regular misting and a large water source contributing to moisture levels.
Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with high UVB (10–12%) on a 12-hour cycle. Adequate UVB is essential for calcium metabolism and overall health, especially given their robust skeletal structure.
Diet: Offer a varied diet focusing on snails (their natural staple), with supplemental items such as crawfish, clams, shrimp, aquatic snails, and canned monitor diets. Occasional fish, ground turkey mixes, or large insects can be provided. Calcium and vitamin supplementation is recommended, especially when feeding non-whole-prey items.
Behaviour in Captivity: Caiman Lizards are active, intelligent, and highly aquatic. They spend significant time swimming, basking, and exploring. With proper care and routine, many individuals become calm and tolerate limited handling. They require environmental enrichment and plenty of water movement to thrive.
Special Considerations: Clean water quality is essential. Filtration systems should be strong and maintained frequently. Because they are powerful animals with strong jaws, handling should be cautious and controlled. Provide durable enclosure furnishings and ensure the habitat is escape-proof.
Taxonomy Note
The Caiman Lizard belongs to the family Teiidae, which includes tegus and ameivas. Dracaena species are unique within the group for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and specialized durophagous diet, using crushing jaws to feed primarily on shelled prey.
Genetics Note
There are no recognized morphs or selectively bred variants for the Caiman Lizard. Natural variation exists mainly in head coloration intensity, body shade, and scale patterning, but these differences are minor and not considered morphs.