This species is the largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia, reaching a maximum length of 80 cm (31 inches) and a maximum weight of up to 50 kg (110 pounds).

It inhabits large lakes, swamps, and slow-flowing rivers.

This mainly piscivorous (fish-eating) species has a dark brown or black carapace which is smooth and oval in shape and a pale yellowish-brown to off-white plastron.

This species is exported in huge amounts from Indonesia for its highly prized flesh and despite its rarity it is not protected in Malaysia.

[5] Habitat destruction for palm oil plantations and poaching for the Chinese medicinal trade have also contributed to its Critically Endangered IUCN status.