Reptile & Amphibian Forums

can young spectacled caimans eat like small lake fish such as catfish bluegills (or any panfish) perch and all those things as the fish part of their diet?
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Tom
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Lots Of Fish

I wouldn't feed any wild caught fish due to parasites but if you must them stay away from catfish. I don't think your Caiman would appreciate the fins in his stomach. Someone may have some better info.

Fish are natural diets of crocodilians and are an important part of their varied staple diet. I, personally, am not opposed to feeding wild caught fish if it is from a reputable lake with healthy stock. Just be careful not to feed too much fish and certain kinds carry a harmful enzyme called "Thiaminase" which destroys Vitamin B1. Bluegill and crappie are not reported to contain Thiaminase and even if they do, it's in negligible amounts.

Chris

>>I wouldn't feed any wild caught fish due to parasites but if you must them stay away from catfish. I don't think your Caiman would appreciate the fins in his stomach. Someone may have some better info.
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My Website
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Could you elaborate? I thought all fish had thiaminase and it was enhanced by freezing. I was wondering because I feed my gator and tegus frozen bait fish, but not too often.

No, not all fish contain thiaminase. There are two strains of thiaminase. Some fish have both strains. Others may only have one and others may have none. Granted, just because the fish contains thiaminase, doesn't necessarily mean it's in a excessive amount. Yes, freezing "enhances" thiaminase, but it doesn't increase the amount as some commonly believe. If you feed fish, it is best to use non-thiaminase containing fish. http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030903325X&page=64#page_top

Also, feeding fresh as opposed to frozen is best.

Chris

>>Could you elaborate? I thought all fish had thiaminase and it was enhanced by freezing. I was wondering because I feed my gator and tegus frozen bait fish, but not too often.
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

Well, thanks for the info!