Fly River Turtle Information
Common Name: Fly river turtle, Pig-nosed turtle, Pig Nose Turtle, Pitted-shell turtle, Fly-river turtle, New Guinea Plateless Turtle
Scientific Name : Carettochelys insculpta
Class : Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Carettochelyidae
Genus: Carettochelys
Species: Insculpta
ENVIRONMENT
New Guinea and Northern Australia
Habitat: Warm tropical rivers, streams, lakes, and lagoons with soft bottoms and slow currents.
Threats: Eggs and the adults are exploited as a food source. Illegal Importing.
DESCRIPTION
General: Fly river turtles resemble the sea turtles in that this species has paddlelike forelimbs. Carapace color is gray to olive while the undersurface is creamy white. Its shell closely resembles that of softshell turtles in that the shell is covered with a layer of continuous skin, unlike most other turtles. The head is unique in having a large fleshy nose, hence giving them the another common name, the Pig-nose turtle.
Male: Males have larger tails.
Life Span: In the wild average 25 Years, in a Zoo average 25 Years.
Natural Diet: Feeds on fruits that fall into water from overhanging trees, and also upon the leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of aquatic plants. Snails, insects, and small fish are also consumed.
SIZE
Length: Male 18-20in (46.15-51.28cm)
Female : 18-20in (46.15-51.28cm)
Weight: Birth 1.6lbs (0.73kg)
Male: 30-35lbs (13.64-15.91kg)
Female: 30-35lbs (13.64-15.91kg)
BEHAVIOR
Reproduction: Nesting season extends from September through November. Eggs are deposited in shallow nests on mud or sand banks. Up to 39 eggs may be laid, although the average is between 15 and 30.
