The mainly nocturnal caiman (Caimaninae) is an alligatorid crocodilian belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within Alligatoridae, the other being alligators. It inhabits Central and South America from marshes and swamps to mangrove rivers and lakes seeking its diet of fish, insects, birds, small mammals and reptiles. Jaguars are the only real predator of the caiman but they prey only on the smaller species.
