Pig-nosed Turtle
Pig nosed turtles are a type of turtles belonging to the Carettochelyidae family, found in southern New Guinea and northern Australia. They are known to be extremely aggressive in captivity, and also are more territorial than most of other turtles and tortoises.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Subphylum | Vertebrata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Testudines |
Suborder | Cryptodira |
Superfamily | Trionychia |
Family | Carettochelyidae |
Subfamily | Carettochelyinae |
Genus | Carettochelys |
Scientific Name | Carettochelys insculpta |
Other Names | Pitted-shelled Turtle, Fly River Turtle |
Size | Around 70 cm |
Weight | More than 20kg |
Color | Gray or olive outer shell with cream underside |
Distribution | Northern region of Australia, New Guinea |
Habitat | Rivers, lagoons, freshwater streams, lakes |
Diet | Leaves and fruits of figs, crustaceans, molluscs, insects |
Predators | Argus monitors, Mertens’ water monitors |
Breeding Season | July – October |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 7to 39 eggs |
Incubation Period | Around 2 months |
Reproductive Age | Males: Around 16 years Females: Around 18 or more years |
Average Lifespan | In Wild: Around 25 years In Captivity: Up to 38 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Vulnerable |