ExploreReptiles

Emydura macquarii krefftii

Emydura macquarii krefftii

The Krefft's River Turtle is a friendly turtle that loves to swim in rivers and lakes. It has a beautiful shell and enjoys basking in the sun on warm rocks.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes

Appearance

The Emydura macquarii krefftii has a smooth, oval-shaped shell, typically olive to dark brown, with a creamy underside. Its most striking feature is the bright yellow stripe extending from behind the eye, across the temple, and down the neck, contrasting with its darker skin.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesFamilyChelidaeGenusEmydura
Emydura macquarii krefftii
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Emydura macquarii krefftii

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its bright yellow neck stripes are like a secret identity mask!

Krefft's River Turtles love to bask in the sun to warm their bodies!

Some turtles live longer than your grandparents do!

They can spend winter buried in river mud, called brumation!

Special abilities

Ability

Aquatic Breath Holding

Emydura macquarii krefftii can breathe underwater using special cloacal bursae, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods to forage and hide.

Ability

Hard Shell Defense

Emydura macquarii krefftii has a robust, streamlined shell that helps protect it from predators and aids in efficient swimming through water.

Ability

Rapid Retreat Reflex

Emydura macquarii krefftii can quickly retract its head and limbs into its shell, providing instant protection from sudden threats.

Ability

River Navigation

Emydura macquarii krefftii can navigate strong river currents thanks to its webbed feet and flat, hydrodynamic shell, helping it find food.

Measurements & details

Length
20-30 cm
Weight
1-3 kg
Lifespan
20-35 years
Clutch Size
10-20
Incubation
60-80 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore, it enjoys a varied menu of plants, insects, and small aquatic animals from its freshwater home.

Age differences: Younger turtles eat more protein (insects); adults consume more plants and algae.

Primary Foods

  • Aquatic plants
  • Algae
  • Insects
  • Small fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Mosquito Fish

Gambusia holbrooki

Main food source for juveniles

eats

Parrot's Feather

Myriophyllum aquaticum

Common aquatic plant food

eaten by

Lace Monitor

Varanus varius

Preys on eggs and hatchlings

eaten by

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Hunts juvenile turtles

Traits

Also known as

Australian River TurtleKrefft's Turtle

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch turtles from a distance and don't try to touch them in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Emydura macquarii krefftii?

20-30 cm

How much does Emydura macquarii krefftii weigh?

1-3 kg

How long does Emydura macquarii krefftii live?

20-35 years

What does Emydura macquarii krefftii eat?

An omnivore, it enjoys a varied menu of plants, insects, and small aquatic animals from its freshwater home.

Where is Emydura macquarii krefftii usually found?

Freshwater rivers and lakes

How does Emydura macquarii krefftii hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Emydura macquarii krefftii lay?

10-20

How long do Emydura macquarii krefftii eggs take to hatch?

60-80 days

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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