Vicissicaudatans are similar to most other artiopods in shape, with rounded bodies consisting of many wide tergites, sometimes with a distinguishable axis along the midline.

This clade is defined by a differentiated posterior region,[2] often ending in a telson and caudal appendages.

In terms of bodily morphology, aglaspidids and Carimersa closely resemble trilobites, with cheloniellids having an unusual radial arrangement of their tergopleurae.

[1] A close relationship between Sidneyia, Emeraldella, aglaspididans and cheloniellids had long been hypothesised, but the grouping lacked a formal name until 2013.

[13] Vicissicaudata translates to "changed tail", in reference to the differentiation of the posterior body region in the group.