Broad head is evident. Black sulfide-stained plastron is the result of prolonged contact with silty bottom and is not typical of species. Two pairs of prefrontal scales between eyes, five pairs of lateral or costal scutes on carpace, and reddish-brown dorsal pigmentation are characteristic of this species. Three pairs of enlarged inframarginal scutes bridging the yellowish plastron are characteristic of this species. Emarginate scutes of carapace are common in immature individuals.
Dorsal scutes have dark brown lines radiating from light centers.
Each center is elevated and forms a sharp keel or spine characteristic of this age class. Photograph is of a ten month-old individual raised in captivity. Variation in intensity of pigmentation between siblings is evident. Species characteristics regarding scute and scale number and arrangement are similar to adults. Posterior pair of scutes are asymmetrical.