Lower jaw is flecked with white bands. Less prominent dorsal scutes than Paleosuchus trigonatus . The diet of caimans is known to be dependent upon the habitat in which the caiman lives. The short, backward-curved teeth are particularly suited to taking invertebrates such as crustaceans. Prey also varies depending upon its availability, of course.
Data are sparse concerning breeding ecology.
May be found singly or in pairs for most of the year, although no set breeding season has been noted. Females are mound-nesters, using available vegetation and mud. The mound is usually built under cover, and in a concealed position. Size of the clutch is reported to range from from 10 to 25 eggs, and the incubation period lasts around 90 days. Although it has been noted that adults will open the nest and move the juveniles to the water, information on parental care following hatching is lacking and implies that there may be none.