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They are not one of nature's most beautiful creatures in any case.

And this poor alligator could be forgiven for taking the hump with his unfortunate appearance.

The crocked caiman was spotted by wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein in the wetlands of Brazil.

Wimbledon-based snapper Goldstein says local guides told him it was the first time any of them had seen an alligator with such a deformity.

Although alligators are often found in large groups, this 11-ft humpback was all on his own.

Mr Goldstein said: 'I have been to the Pantanal quite a bit and never seen this, more importantly, none of the local guides had either.

'It was on its own, but apart from being light on caiman colleagues the eleven footer seemingly did not seem worse for wear.'

Speculation on the cause of the hump ranged from a battle injury to a birth defect.