Its common name is the crocodile tegu, due to its appearance and fondness for water, and is locally known as the jacarerana.

This semi-aquatic, predatory lizard has a flattened, paddle-like tail, enabling it to swim with ease.

Also it has a red coloration on its tail[1][5] The crocodile tegu has no close relation to crocodilians.

The name Crocodilurus amazonicus ("Amazonian little crocodile") is only an analogy: It is a predatory reptile well adapted to living and hunting in water.

C. amazonicus is found in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America.