These stunning images show the 20-stone cat striking with lightning speed while the eight-foot reptile basks on a river island. The scene unfolded by the Cuiabá River in the Pantanal Wetlands of western Brazil.

In a flurry of action the ferocious cat sinks its teeth and claws into the back of the leathery reptile before whisking it away in its jaws. The battle-scarred jaguar is well-known to biologists, who have nicknamed him “Mick Jaguar”. He is estimated to be seven years old and is almost blind in his right eye, probably due to battles defending his territory. Astonished photographer Justin Black, 39, said: “He lifted the 150lb caiman from the ground and trotted toward the water like it was a doggie bone. The fact he attacked from the water is astonishing, It was reminiscent of crocs attacking land animals in Africa”. Photos: Jaguar attacks a Yacare Caiman. (Photo by Barcroft Media)