Paranacaiman is a extinct genus of large caiman from Late Miocene of Argentina. The type and only species is Paranacaiman bravardi.
Discovery and Naming[]
It was described as "Caiman lutescens" using specimen (MACN Pv-13551). However, Rovereto did not designate The holotype, so it has remained a syntype. Subsequently, the validity of the taxon rested on this specimen being diagnostic while the remaining fossils of the syntype were no longer fundamental to the definition of the species. In 2012, it was moved to Caiman latirostris. In 2024, it was moved to Paranacaiman. The generic name means "Caiman from Paraná", in reference to the banks of the Paraná River where the fossil was discovered, while the specific name is named after Auguste Bravard.
Description[]
It is only known from very limited skull material, chiefly a largely complete skull and the attached prefrontal bones. The skull table is noted for the fact that the edge at the back of the skull is concave to a point that it's almost V-shaped. Though there is no exact estimates, It is described to be huge. Speaking of the skull table, the upper surface of the skull table is formed by five bones.
Classification[]
It is classified as a member of Crown-Caimaninae. Its sister taxa are Paranasuchus and Mourasuchus.
Gallery[]
