Falanoucs are dwellers of Madagascar's forest floor. They forage by rooting through leaf litter for earthworms and other small invertebrates. While they have a typical civet's body, their head is small, pointed, and delicate. Their teeth are small, conical, and adapted to snagging small wiggly things. Falanoucs have non-retractable claws and no musk glands. They are shy and reluctant to bite in self defense, preferring to use their claws.