This species remains relatively small, with a shell length of 12–15 cm.

While it shares much of its superficial outer appearance with its relatives in the genus Psammobates, it can be distinguished by its relatively low-domed shell which is strongly serrated along its margins at the front and back.

Each shell scute is coloured with a radiating star-pattern of black rays on a tan background.
The species has buttock tubercles and the shell's nuchal scute is wide and sometimes divided.
The males have a longer tail and taller, more conical scutes on the back as well as a concave belly.
The female lays a clutch of 1 or 2 eggs in December.
This species remains relatively small, with a shell length of 12–15 cm. 
While it shares much of its superficial outer appearance with its relatives in the genus Psammobates, it can be distinguished by its relatively low-domed shell which is strongly serrated along its margins at the front and back.
Each shell scute is coloured with a radiating star-pattern of black rays on a tan background. The species has buttock tubercles and the shell's nuchal scute is wide and sometimes divided. The males have a longer tail and taller, more conical scutes on the back as well as a concave belly. The female lays a clutch of 1 or 2 eggs in December.
Serrated tortoise