Thespotted turtleis a small blackturtlewith distinct large yellow spots on its carapace (upper shell) and orange-yellow markings on its head, neck and limbs.

Theyellow-spotted Amazon river turtle(Podocnemis unifilis), also knowncommonlyas theyellow-headed sideneck turtleand theyellow-spotted river turtle, and locally as thetaricaya, is one of the largestSouth Americanriverturtles. It can grow up to 45cm long and weigh up to 8kg. This species can be recognized by its black or brown ovalcarapace(upper shell) with distinctive low keels on the second and thirdscutes. Yellow spots on the side of its head give this species its common name. These spots are most prominent in juveniles and fade with age. Females can be up to twice the size of males.

Podocnemis unifilisis a type of side-necked turtles, so called because they do not pull their heads directly into their shells, but rather bend their necks sideways to tuck their heads under the rim of their shells. Side-neck turtles are classified as members of the suborder Pleurodira.