A wide variety of carapacial patterns is possible but most include a dark brown area on the vertebral scutes with a cream colored line down the center. The pleural scutes are a contrasting light tan and may have a mottled design. The marginals are frequently a contrasting dark brown. The plastron is mostly black or dark brown. Chin and underside of the neck is light buff.
Sexual dimorphism is indistinct, but the male generally has a slightly thicker tail.
Anorexia is unfortunately common among wild caught flowerbacks. Creating conditions that are as comfortable as possible should aid with this problem. It is also important to keep these easily stressed turtles away from high traffic areas of the home. Keep the moss misted, as galbinfrons need high humidity. Some owners report that this turtle is happiest if provided with plants in the terrarium.