Malayemys khoratensis (Khorat snail-eating turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Malayemys khoratensis (Khorat snail-eating turtle)
Malayemys khoratensis, or Khorat snail-eating turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to Southeast Asia. Known for its diet primarily consisting of snails, this species plays a unique role in controlling mollusk populations in its habitat.
Native To These Regions
ThailandNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Malayemys
Species: Malayemys khoratensis
Common Names
Khorat snail-eating turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description
The Malayemys khoratensis has a distinctive dark shell with pale radiating patterns. Its carapace is slightly domed, and the plastron is cream-colored with dark blotches. The head is small, marked with pale yellow streaks running from the snout to the neck.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are larger than males, with wider carapaces and shorter tails. Males have longer, thicker tails and more concave plastrons for mating purposes.
Check more turtles from the Malayemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is primarily found in Thailand and parts of Laos, particularly in the Korat Plateau region.
Preferred Habitat
Malayemys khoratensis thrives in slow-moving freshwater habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and rice fields. It prefers areas with abundant vegetation and muddy bottoms.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
As its name suggests, this turtle primarily feeds on snails, using its strong jaws to crush their shells. It also consumes small aquatic invertebrates and plant material.
Predators
Its main predators include larger carnivorous fish, birds, and mammals. Juveniles are more vulnerable to predation due to their smaller size.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, between May and September.
Reproductive Method
Females lay 2-8 eggs in sandy or muddy nests near water. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of 60-90 days, depending on environmental conditions.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Malayemys khoratensis is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Threats
Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and water pollution are major threats. Overharvesting for the pet trade also impacts populations.
Conservation Measures
Efforts include habitat protection, breeding programs, and raising awareness to reduce illegal collection.
Economic Importance
The species is valued in local economies for its role in controlling agricultural pests, particularly mollusks that damage crops. It is also collected for the pet trade, though this poses conservation challenges.
Interesting Facts
Malayemys khoratensis can remain underwater for extended periods due to its ability to absorb oxygen through its skin. Its specialized diet makes it one of the few turtles with a significant ecological role in controlling snail populations.
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.
