Ricord’s Iguana is a large (SVL to 495 mm in males, 430 mm in females) iguana easily distinguished by greatly enlarged and spinose scales at each caudal vertical (tail ring) in both adults and juveniles. Color patterns vary little between individuals and consist of five to six bold grey dorsal chevrons alternating with dark grey to black chevrons, of which five continue as bold but narrow lines diagonally onto the venter. In adults, the chevrons are less contrasting than in juveniles. Crest scales along the neck are higher than those along the body.