The pig-nosed turtle is unlike any other species of freshwater turtle.
 The feet are flippers, resembling those of marine turtles.
 The nose looks like that of a pig, having the nostrils at the end of a fleshy snout, hence the common name.
 The carapace is typically grey or olive, with a leathery texture, while the plastron is cream-coloured.
Males can be distinguished from females by their longer and narrower tails.
 Pig-nosed turtles can grow to about 70 cm (28 in) carapace length, with a weight of over 20 kg (44 lb).

Unlike the soft-shelled turtles of the family Trionychidae, pig-nosed turtles retain a domed bony carapace beneath their leathery skin, rather than a flat plate.
They also retain a solid plastron, connected to the carapace by a strong bony bridge, rather than the soft margin of the trionychids.
The pig-nosed turtle is unlike any other species of freshwater turtle.  The feet are flippers, resembling those of marine turtles.  The nose looks like that of a pig, having the nostrils at the end of a fleshy snout, hence the common name.  The carapace is typically grey or olive, with a leathery texture, while the plastron is cream-coloured. Males can be distinguished from females by their longer and narrower tails.  Pig-nosed turtles can grow to about 70 cm (28 in) carapace length, with a weight of over 20 kg (44 lb).
Unlike the soft-shelled turtles of the family Trionychidae, pig-nosed turtles retain a domed bony carapace beneath their leathery skin, rather than a flat plate. They also retain a solid plastron, connected to the carapace by a strong bony bridge, rather than the soft margin of the trionychids.
Pig-nosed turtle