Anatomy
In adulthood the full head and body length is between 42 and 45 cm (17 and 18 in). The tail of a fully grown Verreaux's sifaka grows to be between 56 and 60 cm (22 and 24 in) long. In terms of weight, adult females reach 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) on average, and adult males 3.6 kg (7.9 lb).
Verreaux's sifaka has a relatively low, flat braincase. The face is broader than that of most other Indriids, but its snout is reduced. This species of sifaka is also distinguished by its unique dentition. Its dental formula is . The upper incisors are very small and are slightly angled inward towards the gap between I1 and I2. In the mandible, Verreaux's sifaka displays the stresirhine characteristic: the toothcomb. Formed by the procumbent lower incisor and canine, the toothcomb projects past the front margin of the mouth. P. verreauxi also presents the high, shearing molar crests of a folivore, helping to shread the leaves, fruit, and flowers that it eats. Postcranially, Verreaux's Sifaka has a low intermembral index that ranges from 63-66. It has a broader ribcage than most other prosimians and has many lumbar vertebrae lending it a lot of flexibility. The pelvic is high and narrow and the acetabulum is relatively shallow, also allowing for greater flexibility. Like other Indriids, P. verreauxi has a short calcaneus, pointed nails, and slightly webbed hands and feet.
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