Hutias: Capromyidae

Hutias are medium to large, stocky rodents with broad, round heads. They have small eyes and short, rounded ears. Their head and body length is 14 to 32 inches (36 to 80 centimeters) and their tail length is 1.4 to 17 inches (3.5 to 43.1 centimeters). They weigh 1.1 to 18.7 pounds (0.5 to 8.5 kilograms). Their stomachs are divided into three compartments, making it one of the most complex stomachs in all rodents.

Hutias have short legs and five toes on each foot. Each toe has a strong, usually curved, claw. Their fur is generally thick and coarse and the color is usually various shades of black, brown, or gray, with the underside fur being slightly lighter.