Home > Turtle & Tortoise Database > Genus: Platysternon

Genus: Platysternon

Platysternon is a genus with only one living species, the big-headed turtle. It’s known for its unusually large head and strong jaws. This turtle lives in mountain streams across parts of Southeast Asia and spends much of its time climbing and hiding among rocks.
  • Platysternon megacephalum (Big-headed Turtle)

    Platysternon megacephalum, also known as the Big-headed Turtle, is a rare and ancient-looking species with a distinctively large head that it cannot retract into its shell. It’s known for its powerful jaws and its unique climbing ability, which is unusual among turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PlatysternidaeGenus: PlatysternonSpecies: Platysternon megacephalum Common Names…