Big-headed Turtle
ExploreReptiles
Big-headed Turtle
Platysternon megacephalum
The Big-headed Turtle has a very large head compared to its body! They are shy and love to hide in the water.
Habitat: Fast-flowing streams
Appearance
The Big-headed Turtle has an unusually large, triangular head that it cannot fully retract into its flattened, rough, brown or olive-green shell. It also possesses a long, muscular tail, often as long as its body, making it visually distinct.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesFamilyPlatysternidaeGenusPlatysternon
Category
ReptilesRarity
Epic
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Big-headed Turtles love living in fast-flowing mountain streams in Asia!
Its head is too big to fully pull into its shell for safety!
Its tail can be as long as its body, helping it climb like a monkey!
This turtle can climb trees and rocks, using its powerful claws to grip!
Special abilities
Ability
Climbing Prowess
Big-headed Turtle can scale rocks and tree branches using its strong claws and long tail that helps them grip and balance.
Ability
Iron Jaws
Big-headed Turtle has exceptionally powerful jaws that help them crush hard-shelled prey like snails and crabs with ease.
Ability
Crevice Climber
Big-headed Turtle has a flattened shell that helps them squeeze into tight rock crevices to hide or ambush prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-30 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 4 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-2
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
- Maximum Depth
- 5 m
Diet & Feeding
This turtle is a hungry hunter, eating many small critters it finds in the water.
Primary Foods
- fish
- snails
- crabs
- insects
- worms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Eurasian Otter
Lutra lutra
Otters may prey on juveniles.
hunts
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Ambushes fish swimming nearby.
hunts
Chinese Mystery Snail
Bellamya chinensis
Crushes shells with strong jaws.
hunts
Giant River Prawn
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Seizes crustaceans in water.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Asian Big-headed TurtlePlatysternon Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Big-headed Turtle?
15-20 cm
How much does Big-headed Turtle weigh?
0.5-1.5 kg
How long does Big-headed Turtle live?
15-30 years
How fast can Big-headed Turtle move?
0.5 km/h
What does Big-headed Turtle eat?
This turtle is a hungry hunter, eating many small critters it finds in the water.
How fast can Big-headed Turtle swim?
4 km/h
Where is Big-headed Turtle usually found?
Fast-flowing streams
How does Big-headed Turtle hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
