Cuvier's dwarf caimans (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) are dark reddish-brown. They are heavily armoured on their back and stomach (this provides protection from predators). Their head is short and smooth with a high skull and an upturned long snout. The head is void of bony ridges between the eyes. The dorsal surface is mostly plain, while the upper and bottom jaws are covered with several dark and light spots. The tail is marked with encircling bands to the tip. The eyes are brown. Their fourth tooth on each side of the bottom jaw fits into a socket within the upper jaw and is not visible when the jaws are closed.