Paleosuchus palpebrosus

Custom-built paludarium / semi-aquatic enclosure: large filtered pool + heated dry land area

WARNING: species listed on CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B) — regulated to keep. In France/the EU, keeping a crocodilian generally requires a certificate of competence (certificat de capacité) and an establishment-opening permit (animal classified as dangerous). A fully secured, escape-proof enclosure is mandatory. The dimensions given are an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM for a single adult and should be greatly increased: the pool must take up most of the space, with a depth allowing full immersion and swimming (≥ 40-60 cm), plus an accessible dry beach beneath a heat spot.

Naturally very humid atmosphere thanks to the large volume of water; provide good ventilation to avoid stagnant air.

On the land area, favour a soft, smooth substrate to prevent snout abrasions. Avoid small ingestible gravel (risk of impaction). The aquatic part can be left bare to make cleaning and water-quality control easier.

Recommended. Install a UVB source (e.g. a moderate-UV-index T5 tube) above the dry area, paired with the heat spot, for vitamin D3 synthesis and prevention of bone disorders (especially in juveniles). Replace the lamp as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Large volume of clean, filtered water (powerful pond-type filtration), kept at 25-28°C, deep enough to allow full immersion and swimming. Regular water changes: water quality is critical, as soiled water quickly leads to skin and respiratory infections.

Tropical South America: the Amazon and Orinoco basins (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Guianas). Fast-flowing, clear, cool watercourses and flooded forests.

Carnivore (whole prey) — Whole fish, crustaceans, amphibians, small rodents and chicks; insects for juveniles

Highly opportunistic predator. Feed whole prey (calcium source) and VARY the prey items. Do not feed exclusively thawed fish (thiaminase causes vitamin B1 deficiency): supplement with thiamine and vitamin E. Juveniles fed several times a week; adults once or twice a week. Risk of obesity if overfed.

Clutch 10–25 eggs/young. The female builds a mound of decomposing vegetation. Incubation about 90 days; temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Captive breeding is rare and restricted to specialised facilities holding the appropriate permits.

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in juveniles: calcium / vitamin D3 / UVB deficiency
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) and vitamin E deficiency linked to diets based exclusively on thawed fish (thiaminase)
• Respiratory infections / 'runny nose' promoted by water or air that is too cold and by poor water quality
• Bacterial dermatitis and skin infections (e.g. Aeromonas) due to soiled water
• Snout abrasions (rostral lesions) from rubbing against the walls of an unsuitable or too-small enclosure