Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle

Overview

A giant softshell with an exceptionally long, narrow head and a huge, flattened, leathery shell that can exceed a metre. It is a specialised fish ambusher of the great rivers of South Asia. Heavy exploitation and river modification have made it critically endangered.

Classification

The Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle belongs to the suborder Cryptodira (hidden-neck turtles) and the family Trionychidae. It is the family of softshell turtles — flat, pancake-like turtles whose shell is leathery rather than bony. Its scientific name is Chitra indica.

Appearance & Distinguishing Features

They have a flattened, flexible carapace lacking horny scutes, a long neck, a tubular snout with nostrils like a snorkel, and fully webbed feet. Some species are very large.

Habitat & Distribution

They bury themselves in sand or mud in rivers, lakes, and streams across Africa, Asia, and North America, ambushing prey from concealment.

Diet & Feeding

They are mainly carnivorous, taking fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and amphibians, seizing them with a rapid strike.

Behavior & Conservation

They are fast swimmers and can deliver painful bites. In Asia several species are eaten and farmed, and some are declining from overharvest and habitat change.

Popularity & Recognition

Valued as food across Asia, they are also distinctive oddities in the aquarium and farmed-turtle trades.