A small tortoise species, with a size range of 13–25 cm (5–10 in). Females grow slightly larger (15–25 cm [6–10 in]) to accommodate more eggs. Males average 13–20 cm (5–8 in).

They can live more than 40 years, if they are raised on a lean, high-fiber diet, captive-raised animals in low-stress environments they can have a higher life expectancy.