It is the second-smallest species of the family Alligatoridae, the smallest being Cuvier's dwarf caiman, also from tropical South America and in the same genus.

This refers to the belief that this crocodile comes from an ancient lineage that diverged from other species of caimans some 30 million years ago.

[5][7] The smooth-fronted caiman is native to the Amazon and Orinoco Basins in South America and is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

[7][8] The adult smooth-fronted caiman has cryptic habits and is seldom observed by day because it hides in underwater burrows or may spend much of its time up to 100 m (330 ft) away from water, concealed in dense undergrowth, in hollow logs, or under fallen trees.

[8] Adults are semiterrestrial and mainly feed on such animals as porcupines, pacas, snakes, birds, and lizards, consuming few fish or molluscs.

Hatchlings feed mainly on insects and other arthropods in their first few weeks, graduating to larger prey as they grow, such as small fish, birds, and reptiles.

The incubation period is about 115 days and the female caiman remains near the nest for at least the earlier part of this time, providing protection against predators.

The main threats to this species are destruction of its forest habitat and pollution of its environment by gold mining activities.