Cuban crocodiles were once found throughout the Caribbean but due to over-hunting by people, and only found in Zapata swamp and Isla de la Juventud in Cuba. These medium sized crocodiles commonly reach lengths of 6-8ft, although records exist of large males reaching just over 11ft. In the wild, their diet consists primarily of small mammals, fish and turtles, but in human care, mammals and fish are their usual diet.

Cuban crocodiles are unique in that they are the most terrestrial extant species of crocodile. With their long and muscular legs with reduced webbing on their rear feet, they are able to move quickly to chase down prey or escape from predators (larger crocodiles, humans). They are also formidable predators in the water using their blunt rear teeth to crush turtle shells. They have even been known to jump upwards of 6ft out of the water to grab prey! Observing this species in human care has shown that they possibly hunt in packs together, which is relatively unknown among other crocodilians.