Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in SE Texas and animal control brought me what I think maybe a black caiman. I rehab turtles and AC didn't know what else do to with this 16 inch caiman. It was found in someones yard who thought it was an alligator.

It's very dark in color, nearly black. Is Melanosuchus niger likely what I have?

Thought I might add that I have this caiman in an 8x8 foot cage on the ground with a 3 ft kiddy pool containing aquatic plants. Pool is shaded and our summer daytime temps are in the 90s. Other parts of cage get part sun. He has a dry place to hide if he wants also. I plan to mostly feed him several kinds of fish. I think I'm meeting his needs for right now. Should I feed him at night and how often should I feed him? thanks

Ultimately, without pics we won't be able to ID him. However, I will say that I HIGHLY DOUBT that what you have in your possession is a black caiman. They are practically impossible for even most U.S. zoos to obtain.

However, if you can post a pic, we will most likely be able to tell you what you have.

Take care,

Chris

>>Thought I might add that I have this caiman in an 8x8 foot cage on the ground with a 3 ft kiddy pool containing aquatic plants. Pool is shaded and our summer daytime temps are in the 90s. Other parts of cage get part sun. He has a dry place to hide if he wants also. I plan to mostly feed him several kinds of fish. I think I'm meeting his needs for right now. Should I feed him at night and how often should I feed him? thanks
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

It is impossible for anyone to give you an ID without pics.
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John Vandegrift

Chances are it is not a black caiman. Probally just a really dark american gator.
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Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation

http://www.onet.net/~eagle/Reptile/index.htm

Reptiles

1.0 Uroplatus phantasticus
2.0 Uromastyx malienisis
1.0 Chrysemys picta
0.2 Eublepharis macularis
0.1 Physignathus cocincinus
0.0.1 Hemidactylus turcicus
0.1 Lepidactlyus lugrubis