Cuban crocodiles are equally as adept at swimming as they are walking and leaping. They can even catch prey on low-hanging branches by jumping from the water using powerful thrusts of their tail from below the surface.
In the wild, the Cuban crocodile's diet consists of arthropods, fish, turtles, and small mammals. They have blunt rear teeth that are used for crushing turtle shells.
The average length of a Cuban crocodile is 10.5 feet. It is generally black with yellow speckles. These crocodiles have reduced webbing on their feet that aids them in maneuvering on land.
Because Cuban crocodiles can't generate heat metabolically, they need to soak up heat through the sun and warm water.
During breeding season, the Cuban crocodile will construct mound nests where the female will lay 30 to 40 eggs. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest. In order to produce males, the nest must be between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius—anything higher or lower will result in female hatchlings.
© MSA 2005
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