Juveniles possess eyes with a light iris, which is reported to become darker with age. A characteristic yellow and black patterning has led to the name 'Pearly' crocodile. The teeth at the back of the mouth are broader than those at the front - an adaptation to crush turtles which are part of their diet. Historically believed to have occurred with giant ground sloths, it is believed that the crocodiles show adaptations for dealing with this prey on land - large and powerful rear legs with reduced webbing. They are noted for their terrestrial abilities, which includes a strong 'high-walk' and a propensity for leaping.
Confusion exists over the actual mode of nesting behaviour.
The normal clutch size is between 30 and 40 eggs. Cuban crocodiles frequently hybridise with one or two other species. In the wild, hybridisation with C. acutus has been reported as the end of the C. acutus breeding season overlaps with the start of the C. rhombifer season. In all cases, it is believed that the hybrids are actually fertile and this therefore represents a danger to the genetic purity of the species - mainly in captive breeding programs. Although the species is recovering in numbers, its status remains highly vulnerable.