Is it common for people to try and sell Smooth Front Caimans (Paleosuchus trigonatus) as Dwarf Caimans (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), is their an easy way to tell the difference?
I want to buy a Dwarf Caimans (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) because they are smaller but dont want to get the wrong type... I have read the "CROCODILIAN SPECIES LIST WEBSITE" but still cant tell the difference in the little babies. Can anyone help.
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Smooth Front Caimans as Dwarf Caimans
jrmiah
Mar 03, 2004 11:24 AM
Replies (3)
CDieter
Mar 04, 2004 01:10 PM
I won't lie about this, they can be hard to differentiate when they are young animals. It takes a little practice to seperate the differences as they can often appear so similiar.
My advice, order from a reputable supplier who knows what he has. As they mature the differences become more profound.
When I got my first dwarf and smooth front quite a few years ago I had a struggle identifying them. I think we have all been there.
Maybe 5 years ago I wrote an article on them for 1 of the reptile magazines called 'A Tale of Two Dwarfs' I'll have to look but I think in that article we addressed this very dilemma. I think I can find it and will send you a photocpy of the article if you would like to read it.
Just email me for the article if your interested. And order from a reputable dealer
CD
jrmiah
Mar 04, 2004 01:18 PM
sure that would be great, jrmiah@hotmail.com ,thnx
O_S
Mar 05, 2004 01:09 PM
Check out the CITES crocodilian identification key. You can't go wrong.
