The smallest fruit bat in the world, this species is both charming and beautiful. Its black, dog-like face has large eyes, with a pale spot beneath each. The nostrils are long and somewhat tubular, and the ears are small. The soft fur is very dark brown on the back, and paler on the underside. Pale spots contrast with the dark wing membranes, and often highlight the joints of the finger bones. This fruit-eating bat has a claw on the second digit of each hand, enabling it to cling to fruit trees and break into tough-skinned fruit with its strong jaws. It does not have a tail.