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Creature Closeup: Caiman Lizard
They’re not blushing, you are. Your summer crush is a multicolored, multi-talented reptile that can swim, climb, and steal your heart (and your snails).
July 24, 2024
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These jewel-toned lizards may not leap, but they certainly know how to lounge.
Draco and Jade, brother and sister, joined the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit in November 2023 and peacefully coexist with our green-crested basilisk and matamata turtles. Equally at home in the water or on land, northern caiman lizards are famous for their striking two-toned coloration that helps them blend into tropical surroundings.
Northern caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis)
Size: 2–4 feet; up to 10 pounds
Range: Amazonian Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Peru, French Guiana
Habitat: Rivers and flooded forests
IUCN Red List status: Least concern
Gayle Laird © 2024 California Academy of Sciences
Caiman lizards aren't actually caimans. More closely related to monitor lizards and tegus, they get their name from the crocodile-esque spiky scales on their back. They use their long forked tongue to sense prey and predators—and lick their lips after a snack.
Our biologists train these brainy lizards to recognize two key cues: The blue and white target stick leads to tasty treats like snails, bait fish, or prawn, and a refreshing rainforest shower sends the signal that mealtime is over.
Jade knows that the target stick can only mean one thing...
...a treat! Gayle Laird © 2024 California Academy of Sciences
Find caiman lizards at the Academy
Our caiman lizards can be found in the Amazon Flooded Forest section of Steinhart Aquarium, just outside the Osher Rainforest exit. They are fed on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, although feeding times vary. View on map
