Crocodilurus

Crocodilurus is a monotypic lizard genus consisting of one species, the crocodile tegu (Crocodilurus amazonicus), belonging to the family Teiidae (tegus, ameivas and whiptails). Its common name is the  'crocodile' tegu, due to its appearance and fondness for water, and is locally known as the jacarerana. This semi-aquatic, predatory lizard has a flattened, paddle-like tail, enabling it to swim with ease.

Figurative name
The 'crocodile' tegu has no close relation to crocodilians. The name Crocodilurus amazonicus ("little Amazonian crocodile") is only an analogy: It is a predatory reptile well adapted to living and hunting in water.

Distribution
It is found in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America.

Diet
It feeds on arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.