Adult Size: The smallest of the crocodilians, these caiman will grow to about 5 feet (1.5 meters).

Headshape: It has an ear covering that is the same color as the top of the wedge-shaped head.

Appearance: A minimum of four rows of dorsal scales between the back legs. The nuchals and post-occipitals are very sharp, with heavily ossified skin on its dorsal and ventral surfaces. The belly is usually blotched.

Nuchal Clusters: The pattern of scales is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 2 x 2 with four large post occipitals.

Flanks: Narrow space with usually 2 rows of heavily keeled elon gated oval scales.

STATUS: Least Concern

*Compare with Paleosuchus trigonatus and Osteolaemus tetraspis