Adult Size: A small crocodile, barely attaining 6 feet (1.8 meters).

Headshape: Short and wedge-shaped. This is where it gets interesting among the subspecies; refer to the Field Notes.

Appearance: This is a small, bony-armored crocodile with large, dark eyes. The neck, back, tail, and even the belly are heavily armored.

Nuchal Clusters: 4 scutes that make a square 2 x 2 pattern.

Flanks: The sides and belly are heavily ossified.

Other Notes: It is likely that this genus will be divided into three or more species. However, at the time of this writing, only one species is officially recognized.

STATUS: Vulnerable.

*Compare with Paleosuchus palpebrosus and Paleosuchus trigonatus