Testudon is characterized by a large, heavy, snake-like head, and a long, thick, domed shell with three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the backside. The shells are often covered with algae. They are a solid blue-green in color with radiating yellow patterns around their eyes while the shell is a dull brown color. The tail is thick at the base and tapers off and becomes thinner toward the tip. The legs are large and striated, with the front legs having five clawed digits, the back legs having four.