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Genus of crocodiles From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Osteolaemus is a genus of crocodiles.[1][2][3] They are small, secretive crocodiles that occur in wetlands of West and Middle Africa. They are commonly known as the African dwarf crocodiles.[2] Unlike other crocodiles, Osteolaemus are strictly nocturnal.[3]
Osteolaemus | |
---|---|
Dwarf crocodile | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Clade: | Archosauromorpha |
Clade: | Archosauriformes |
Order: | Crocodilia |
Family: | Crocodylidae |
Subfamily: | Osteolaeminae |
Genus: | Osteolaemus Cope, 1861 |
Type species | |
Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861 | |
Species | |
2, see text. |
The following species are recognized as being valid.[1]
Image | Scientific name | Common name | Distribution |
---|---|---|---|
Osteolaemus osborni Schmidt, 1919 | Congo dwarf crocodile | Congo River basin of Central Africa | |
Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861 | dwarf crocodile, African dwarf crocodile, broad-snouted crocodile, bony crocodile | West Africa and Ogooué River basin of Central Africa | |
Molecular data suggest that Osteolaemus tetraspis consists of two lineages that would warrant recognition as distinct species.[2]
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