Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All!
I am a new caiman hybrid owner, it is 12 inches long and I have a few quick questions:

1. What kind of fish should I buy to feed it from Petco?
2. What kind of basking lamp do I buy ? 100W ?
3. Where do I put the live crickets to feed this guy ? Do I stomp on the cricket a little and then throw it on the water or do I keep him on land ? If I dont stomp on the cricket a little, it will fly around the aquarium, right ? I dont know even if this croc knows there is a land. I was hoping it would find it in the 4 feet aquarium, but it has been in the water all day. My apt temp is 70-75 degrees cold.

Thanks, Nabeel

I took it out of the 55 gallon aquarium and put it in a box plastic box with holes today. I plan to put it out where it can get some sunlight to warm itself. It seems the lil guy was in the water for all day and all night. I dont have a basking lamp yet and the water is pretty cold. I am thinking even if I have a basking lamp, it will hide in the water since its scared of me. It doesnt know where the land is. It closes its eye lids when I get closer to it. Any ideas on what kind of water heater I can buy. Can I get one from Petco nearby ? I am new to this, so any information would help. I want the lil guy to live Also it has had only 1 baby cricket in the last 2-3 days. Any ideas ?

Is this thread a joke? How old are you? Why would you buy an animal without having at least a basic knowledge about it and a proper enclosure? Especially being a caiman which if taken care of properly will grow into a dangerous animal.
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John Vandegrift

I dont think you read my previous post. I have a 55 gallon tank for a 12 inch caiman. I think its more than space enough. I put him in a box, so that he can get some sunlight. (as I dont have a lamp yet) I dont see the joke in asking where I can buy a basking lamp ?

I think the previous poster has a point. Do you have a book on crocodilian care? Have you read the captive care guide linked above?

Basking lamps are simply clamp lamps and can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. Purchase one with a ceramic base.

>>I dont think you read my previous post. I have a 55 gallon tank for a 12 inch caiman. I think its more than space enough. I put him in a box, so that he can get some sunlight. (as I dont have a lamp yet) I dont see the joke in asking where I can buy a basking lamp ?
website

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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

Thanks Dieter. I bought a basking lamp today at Petsmart, a 100W one. Although I did not have much luck with the thermometer. I got a bad one. The caiman has not eaten much in the last 2-3 days and maybe its because of the temperature. I also got a 55 gallon water marileland 200W, but that doesnt seem to heat up the water much (?). If I have the basking lamp on for 11-12 hours during day time, how much should the water temperature be at all times ? I cant seem to regulate that with the submerged water heater. Thanks.

Don't force your caiman to bask by putting him in a box and putting him in direct sunlight. This will only stress him out...alot. I have a caiman which I've had for five years. It has never basked, ever. As long as you heat the water you'll be fine. Get one of the submersible water heaters from Petco which let you set the temperature. I keep mine in the 78 to 80 degree range. My caiman was shy at first too, but after a while, he started to become more used to me. He now hisses to let me know he's hungry. And he puts on quite a show at feeding time! Good luck!

MikeSnake, the most interesting thing happened today. I walked in after 6-7 hours into my home and immediately my 1 foot caiman put its head out of water and started wagging its tail and then submerging its head and upper two legs in and out of water, it had its mouth open. Most probably it was very hungry. (thats the feeling I got). Its really an amazing animal How do I know how "much" to feed him ?

Well, it sounds like you've already been raked over the coals for not researching before you bought. With any animal, you should always do as much research as possible before buying. Pet stores will often hold an animal for you with a deposit.

That said, I highly recommend this site for some great info on caiman care... "www.crocodilian.com/crocfaq". If you have one of the Dwarf Caiman species (which I hope you do since all the others will get very large as adults), then read this as well... "www.crocodilian.com/paleosuchus". I've been researching these animals for a few years now and am only now beginning to look for one to buy. I will be building a large indoor pond in my basement for it which I strongly recommend you do as well. A 55 gallon aquarium will become a living coffin for your caiman. You want to provide him with a good home where he can thrive and live a relatively enjoyable life. I'm sure you don't want it to be miserable and sick. Also a happier reptile will be more active and respond to you better (but they are not dogs, you won't be able to pick it up and pet it).

Hope this helps some.