Despite its name, the color of its upper shell or carapace can vary from reddish to dark brown and black with yellow streaks running along its length.

The face of this turtle may have yellow or orange marks and spots, with color varying between subspecies.

[4] The species occurs in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, and the Chagos Archipelago, where it may have been introduced.

Indian black turtles may sometimes be seen to aggregate alongside the carcass of a large dead animal.

M. t. indopeninsularis is considered threatened in Bangladesh, while the population in Myanmar (M. t. edeniana) is thought to be vulnerable or endangered.