Fireworks over Fawkes the crocodile’s arrival in Fife

A baby caiman crocodile, which was born at Deep Sea World’s sister aquarium in Cheshire, has arrived in North Queensferry.

The tiny Cuvier’s dwarf caiman measures about 30cm but will eventually grow up to six times longer. Nicknamed Fawkes as he was born close to Bonfire Night, he was the first caiman to have been successfully bred at the Blue Planet Aquarium. He is in the quarantine area, with the longer term plan for him to go on display later this year.

Deep Sea World’s Michael Morris said: “Although he is still only small, Fawkes can be quite a handful and you still have to be careful as he has razor-sharp teeth.

“It’s fantastic that he is part of an ongoing captive breeding programme for the species and we’re delighted to be able to look after him here at Deep Sea World,” he added.

The Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, covered with extremely tough bony armour plates, is the smallest surviving member of the crocodilian family found in the Americas. Fully grown adult males reach up to 1.6 metres long.