The flame tortoise and the Brazilian tortoise are not the same species. They are similar in habits, origin and life span, but this does not mean that they are the same turtle. They are quite different in appearance. Especially after the tortoise changes color, the tortoise's shell turns black and red, while the Brazilian tortoise is still yellow and green.

At the same time, the head of Brazilian tortoise is wider, while that of flame tortoise is narrower. The Brazilian tortoise has a yellow-green pattern on its head, but the flame tortoise does not.

Their bellies are also very different. The bellies of flame tortoises are patterned, but the patterns are generally irregular. However, the belly pattern of Brazilian tortoise is more regular, some are butterfly-shaped, some are round, and generally they are symmetrical figures.

Their necks are also different. The neck of the flame turtle is striped, usually yellow and red. However, the neck stripes of Brazilian tortoises are yellow and green.

The most obvious feature that flame turtles distinguish from other turtles is that their carapace can change color. At first, their carapace is yellow-green, but after discoloration, their carapace is red-black. This is also the origin of the name of Flame Turtle.