Moschus itself may warrant placement in a separate family, the Moschidae. Coloration appears to be quite variable, possibly as a result of age and season, but generally it is a rich dark brown, mottled and speckled with light gray above, and paler beneath. The chin, inner borders of the ears, and insides of the thighs are whitish, and occasionally there is a spot of white on each side of the throat. About 28 grams of this secretion can be obtained from a single animal. Unlike other Cervidae, Moschus has a gall bladder.
Females have two mammae.
The preferred habitat of musk deer is forest and brushland at elevations of 2,600-3,600 meters. There was no evidence of any seasonal altitudinal movement in that region, though occasional migrations of 12-35 km have been reported for musk deer in Siberia. The diet consists of a variety of vegetation, such as grass, moss, and tender shoots. In winter, twigs, buds, and lichens are taken. Musk deer are shy, timid, and generally solitary.