The razor-backed musk turtle grows to a straight carapace length of about 15 cm (5.9 in).
It has a brown-colored carapace, with black markings at the edges of each scute.
The carapace has a distinct, sharp keel down the center of its length, giving the species its common name.

The body is typically grey-brown in color, with black spotting, as is the head, which tends to have a bulbous shape to it.
It has a long neck, short legs, and a sharp beak.
Males can usually be distinguished from females by their longer tails.

The plastron is small, with only one hinge which is located anteriorly.
There is no gular scute.
Barbels are present on the chin only.
The razor-backed musk turtle grows to a straight carapace length of about 15 cm (5.9 in). It has a brown-colored carapace, with black markings at the edges of each scute. The carapace has a distinct, sharp keel down the center of its length, giving the species its common name. 
The body is typically grey-brown in color, with black spotting, as is the head, which tends to have a bulbous shape to it. It has a long neck, short legs, and a sharp beak. Males can usually be distinguished from females by their longer tails.
The plastron is small, with only one hinge which is located anteriorly. There is no gular scute. Barbels are present on the chin only.
Razor-backed musk turtle