Turtle Caiman. powerful bite
Turtle Caiman.
This huge creature is the largest freshwater turtle. A beautiful prehistoric specimen that, like alligators, has survived on the planet since the time of the dinosaurs.
They can measure up to 80 cm in length and weigh 110 kg of body mass, but generally measure 75 cm and weigh around 80 kg.
In its upper part, it has three solid crests along its carapace, a long tail, two thick front legs with claws. A muscular neck, qualified to support the weight of a huge head and a consistent mouth shaped like a beak, which could easily take off an arm of your body.
His face is covered with protective scales, like the top of his long tail and legs. With a hard and rough skin. At first glance we can confuse it with an alligator and from that kinship the name of Turtle Cayman is derived.
This species lives in the United States, extends through the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. They reach maturity around age 12, the age to mate and they do so since spring, putting 8 to 50 eggs that they bury in the sand, is one of the few times they are exposed to the sun, these eggs hatch between 100 and 140 days and from there they look for the water by instinct, where they will spend most of their lives, if they manage to survive the predators.
The sexual act is common once a year. but sometimes they let a year pass and they put the next one.
Diet of the species.
His way of hunting is simple, considered opportunistic to remain motionless with his mouth open waiting for some victim. It is considered solitary and carnivorous.
As a predator it feeds on everything it can hunt, from birds, amphibians, crustaceans, mammals to small and large rodents, it is also known that other turtles eat.
In the same way, it catches fish under water, but with the help of an appendix found on the tongue and used as bait, the prey, deceived, approaches the supposed worm and falls into the trap, being trapped in a bite.
Its great prehistoric appearance and its powerful bite make it the largest freshwater dinosaur on the planet.
It is interesting how sex in breeding depends on the temperature, if the weather is warm, it will produce males, if the climate is of low temperatures, it will produce females.
The turtle Caiman can reach up to 70 years of age. It can vary in colors according to the habitat where it lives, exhibiting brown, black and even green tones, among others.
What a cool creature! The info you provided is very informative and interesting.
Do you happen to know the latin name? I find the Latin names intriguing to say the least.
Upvoted and followed for more great nature content!
Amazing creature, very good post.
Good bite, really interesting this species, the first time I see it. I love everything that has to do with prehistory.