Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last week I built an outdoor enclosure for my pair of caiman. Within 10 min. they was breeding! Anyways today a week later I noticed that it looks as if algae is growing on the male caiman. It could also be dirt/mud. I figured if it was dirt it sould wash off a little in the water. If it is algae is it a threat and if needed how to get it off. Also the water part is 8'x 10' and I have a pump with filter.

Thanks for help

Trenten

This is normal. Aids in camo. Some have hair algae growing off them that makes it look like they need a comb. Dont worry about it. If it starts getting bad and you dont like it put the animal in a less lighted area for a week or two but still have some heat/light. Most likely wont work to get rid of it on a animal but if there is also a great deal in the pond then increase water circulation and provide more shady areas. Also can increase the amount of plants in the water. Plants will use the nutrients in the water therefore keeping the algae from using it.
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Jeremy Carroll
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation and Conservation
http://www.onet.net/~eagle/Reptile/index.htm