How small is 2 small?!

[Sunrunner]

Hey guys as every one knows I am a crocodilian fanatic. So what I saw at a local reptile store in Hamilton, ON really bugged the **** out of me. In this store was an awesome 5 foot spectacled caimen living in a 6 foot long aquarium that was all water!!!. Now the water was warm and this caimen does come out for an hour or so daily for an in house show but really isn't that ridiculous. I mean how small is too small? The guy who owns the shop has been telling me for a year that they were building him a bigger tank but it don't look like it's happening. For a 5 foot caimen I don't think an aquarium exists that would be proper housing, my curviers caimen is only 3 feet and his custom cage is easily ten times that size with land and water. This is absolute bull ****...what can be done about it???

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

If a crocodilian cant move about freely, if no matter where it was and it touches two or more sides at once, cant turn around with out touching both sides of the enclosure it is generally to small.. If the animal cant move to various parts of an enclosure its to small.. If the animal has no land the person should be shot..Xain

[cantil]

Dear Sunrunner,
I work at the above mentioned store and agree with you that that cage is far too small for that caimen. However when that Caimen was put in there three years ago at about 2' it was a huge aquarium. We have done our best to keep the caimen healthy and happy and are currently in the process of completing his new cage which mesures 10' x 10' and has ample land. I ask that you bear with us. Completing this cage has, unfortunately been a lengthy process and has cost a great deal of time and money but we are commited to maintaing that animal in an environment that is suitable. I invite you to come by and check out the tank for yourself.
Best Wishes.

[sparkon16]

Might I just say that that is a great reply! Even though I have heard it many times but I think that you are telling the truth!

Shaggy

[Sunrunner]

Good stuff i am very glad to hear it , i hope it turns out well because that is an awesome caimen! A caimen that size shouldn't be housed in an aquarium but if you guys are building him somethingh better then all the power to you, he's been in that aquarium way to long already. Besides if you don't want to build him something better you could sell him to me!!!!

[skinheaddave]

I saw the enclosure last time I was in. Looks like it is coming along nicely.

Cheers,
Dave