Amyda cartilaginea (Asiatic Softshell Turtle)

Amyda cartilaginea, commonly known as the Asiatic softshell turtle, is a distinctive species of turtle known for its leathery, soft shell. It belongs to the family Trionychidae and is notable for its adaptability to various freshwater habitats.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Trionychidae
• Genus: Amyda
• Species: A. cartilaginea

Common Names

• Asiatic Softshell Turtle
• Southeast Asian Softshell Turtle
• Black Rayed Softshell Turtle

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Identification

Description

Amyda cartilaginea has a broad, flattened body with a smooth, leathery carapace that lacks scutes. The color ranges from olive to brown, often with dark spots or blotches. Its snout is elongated with a protruding nose, aiding in breathing while submerged.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males generally have longer, thicker tails and are slightly smaller than females.

Check more turtles from the Amyda genus

Amyda ornata (Ornate Softshell Turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of southern China.

Preferred Habitat

Amyda cartilaginea prefers slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps with muddy bottoms where it can easily burrow.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

It is omnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic vegetation.

Predators

Predators include birds of prey, larger fish, and mammals, including humans.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when water levels are higher.

Reproductive Method

The species is oviparous, with females laying eggs in sandy or muddy banks near water bodies.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Threats

Threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and harvesting for food and the pet trade.

Conservation Measures

Efforts include habitat protection, legal protection, and breeding programs in several countries.

Economic Importance

This turtle is used in traditional Asian medicine and is a source of protein in local diets. However, overexploitation has led to a decline in populations.

Interesting Facts

• This turtle can bury itself completely in mud and remain submerged for up to five hours to avoid predators.
• It has a highly flexible shell due to the lack of bony scutes, allowing it to move easily through soft mud.

Research Studies

For more detailed information on the ecology and conservation of Amyda cartilaginea, consider reading this research study:
Amyda cartilaginea study

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.