This species can be recognized by its black or brown oval carapace (upper shell) with distinctive low keels on the second and third scutes.

These turtles are native to South America's Amazon and Orinoco basins, as well as rivers systems of the Guianas.

They make their nests in sandy areas on the banks of rivers, where the eggs will hatch 66 to 159 days after they are laid.

This species is at risk of predation by humans, birds, snakes, large fish, frogs and mammals.

[9] Importation of this species is now strictly regulated by federal law, but a captive, self-sustaining population exists in the United States – some groups in zoos, others in the hands of private collectors.