They are sexually dimorphic (have two distinct gender forms); males are larger and longer than females. They have three distinct color morphs: mariposo (greyish-green with dark black dorsal patches); amarillo (light tan with scattered darker areas); and negro (uniformly dark gray). Their snout is narrow and elongated and their mouth has 68 teeth. Their eyes are green.

They are protected by laws in Columbia and Venezuela, where they are threatened by hunting, habitat destruction, and the pet trade.

• Listed as “critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
• CZS Conservation - Species Survival Plan

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