Gular pouch weakly developed. Massive, strong shoulders. Laterally flattened body. Dorsal crest from neck almost to tail.
Dorsal scales are large, rectangular, and keeled.
Massive, strong shoulders. Slender, long tail. Mainly brown or greyish-olive with irregular dark brown spots or bars. Can change colors to red, blue, iridescent green, and black hues. Males have orange or crimson head and neck during the breeding season.