#clack caiman

[pleistocene-pride]

Melanosuchus niger better known as the black caiman is a species of crocodilian which is endemic to the South American countries of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, French Guinea, and Guyana. Here they largely inhabit rivers, swamps, wetlands, and lakes particularly around the Amazonia. These large semi aquatic ambush predators feed upon fish, invertebrates, amphibians, snakes, lizards, turtles, other crocodilians, various birds, monkeys, sloths, armadillos, rodents, deer, tapir, coati, peccary, cattle, horses, pigs, canines, otters, dolphins, and felines up to the occasional cougar or jaguar. Black caimen are themselves occasionally preyed upon by green anacondas, giant river otters, and jaguars. Most adult black caiman average around 7.3 to 14ft (2.2 to 4.3m) in length and 210 to 770lbs (95 to 350kgs) in weight, however some old and exceptionally large males reaching upwards of 20ft (6.1m) long and 2,400lbs (1,100kgs) are not unheard of. This makes the black caiman not only the largest predator in the amazon, but also the largest caiman, largest member of the Alligatoridae family, one of the largest living crocodilians, and one of the largest reptiles alive today. The black caiman has dark-colored, scaly skin which helps the animal in both camouflage and thermoregulation. The lower jaw has grey to brown banding, and pale yellow or white bands are present across the flanks of the body. Compared to other caiman species, the black caiman is distinctly more robustly built, with a large head, narrow snout, big eyes, and a bony ridge extending from above the eyes down the snout. Breeding occurs near the end of the dry season, during such a time females build nests out of soil and vegetation. Here they lay 30 to 65 eggs which incubate for around 6 weeks. Upon hatching the young will call out to there mother who will help dig them out and carry them to the water in her mouth. She will continue to guard and care for them for several months. Under ideal conditions a black caiman will reach sexual maturity at around 20 years and may live up to 80 years.

[amansmortiis]

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Kacey Ingels - Fandomless OC - Playing on Discord

     There was a distinct clack on the hardwood floors, but not from small bare feet practically dancing over them, but the sharp claws of a dwarf caiman faithfully following after Kacey. It was odd to have such a large familiar when she herself was barely brushing 4′11, but no one ever said working with the dead meant she had to be physically imposing. “Good girl Scalene, we’ve got a lot of dead to raise today, need you on your best behavior girl,” she said, voice lilting a little while she gathered up supplies. Being a necromancer could be taxing work, but she adored it and she was certain there was no other witch as dedicated to the art as she was.