Eastern Long-necked Turtle
One of the most familiar Australian turtles, with an exceptionally long neck that can be nearly as long as the shell and is folded sideways beneath the carapace when retracted.
Overview
One of the most familiar Australian turtles, with an exceptionally long neck that can be nearly as long as the shell and is folded sideways beneath the carapace when retracted. It has a dark brown or black carapace with a pale plastron and emits a strong musky odour when threatened. It is highly adaptable and often travels overland between wetlands.
Classification
The Eastern Long-necked Turtle belongs to the suborder Pleurodira (side-neck turtles) and the family Chelidae. It is a largely southern-hemisphere family of side-neck turtles that bend the neck sideways rather than retracting it straight back. Its scientific name is Chelodina longicollis.
Appearance & Distinguishing Features
They are highly diverse in form, from long-necked snake-necked turtles to short-necked river species, generally with streamlined shells suited to freshwater life.
Habitat & Distribution
They occur across Australia, New Guinea, and South America in rivers, lakes, swamps, and temporary wetlands.
Diet & Feeding
Most are carnivorous or omnivorous, taking insects, fish, crustaceans, and plant matter depending on the species.
Behavior & Conservation
Many lay flexible-shelled eggs and show strong site fidelity to waterways. Several Australian species appear in the pet trade, while some are threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators.
Popularity & Recognition
The long-necked 'snake-neck' turtles are especially recognisable in Australian waterways and aquaria.
