Caiman lizard
Dracaena guianensis
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
| Diet | Snails, shellfish, insects and fishes |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 3 feet (1 m) |
| Type | Reptiles |
| Range | Northeastern South America |
| Habitat | Swamps and flooded woodlands |
About the Caiman lizard
The caiman lizard is perfectly adapted for the semiaquatic life: its powerful jaws help it crush snails and other tough prey while its long, strong tail and clear third eyelid help it navigate the water with ease. Their visual similarity to crocodiles helps keep them safe from predators.
Did you know?
- This lizard has large, flat teeth - perfect for smashing snail shells. It uses its tongue to remove shell fragments, before eating the flesh.
- A caiman lizard’s tongue is dark colored and forked. To find food, a caiman lizard heightens its sense of smell by flicking its tongue.
When it comes to fight or flight, the caiman lizard drops out of tree branches and into the water to swim away from predators.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) awarded the Edward H. Bean Award to Shedd for our caiman lizard breeding program.
IUCN Red List Conservation Status
Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan®
This species is part of a program to support healthy, genetically diverse animal populations.