Amur Softshell Turtle
A softshell turtle of the Amur river basin in northeastern Asia, closely related to the Chinese softshell and only recently recognised as distinct.
Overview
A softshell turtle of the Amur river basin in northeastern Asia, closely related to the Chinese softshell and only recently recognised as distinct. It has a flattened, leathery shell and a long snout, and is a bottom-feeding omnivore. Its status and distribution are poorly documented.
Classification
The Amur 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 Pelodiscus maackii.
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.
