Raoellids are distinct for their semiaquatic nature, which is believed to represent a transitional form from basal artiodactyls to more derived forms like cetaceans. Raoellids were generally diminutive creatures that were primarily
herbivorous, although similar to a modern day raccoon, would have likely been opportunistic and eat other animals on a somewhat regular basis, especially in the case of the more derived hyperbunodont forms of raoellids (
Khirtharia and
Metkatius). Raoellids would have almost certainly been furry, unlike their closest living relatives. As artiodactyls, raoellids would have been
digitigrade and have hooves, but they would not have been as large as modern non-cetacean artiodactyls and raoellids other toes would have been visible in life. Raoellidae was initially defined based on relatively few characteristics. They were thought to be basal artiodactyls with moderately long
snouts that were distinguished from other mammals primarily by bunolophodont molars and other dental features. It was also noted that the raoellids appeared similar to the
perissodactyls of the same region. This was interpreted as raoellids having immigrated to the region, although they also said that Raoellidae was not very similar to Asian artiodactyls which could be interpreted that raoellids were, indeed, native to the Indian subcontinent. The definition of Raoellidae was again modified by Orliac and Ducrocq (2012). According to them, raoellids are distinguished as a family by absence of a paraconid along with the reduction of the hypoconulid and parastyle. The teeth contain a large basin and are specialized for shearing. The first to third premolars lost the paracone completely along with one of their roots. The fourth premolar, in contrast, is double rooted and has endocristae that form a transverse loph. == Phylogeny ==