Malayemys macrocephala (Malayan snail-eating turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Malayemys macrocephala (Malayan snail-eating turtle)
Malayemys macrocephala, commonly known as the Malayan snail-eating turtle, is a freshwater species well-suited for its unique diet of mollusks. This turtle is primarily found in Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctively large head and striking shell patterns.
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Geoemydidae
- Genus: Malayemys
- Species: M. macrocephala
Common Names
Malayan snail-eating turtle
Large-headed snail-eating turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be honest—most turtle care guides are dry, boring, and full of the same basic advice.
This one is different.
Told from the snarky, judgmental point of view of a grumpy turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide dishes out real behavior insights with sarcasm, honesty, and a whole lot of side-eye.
It’s part funny, part useful, and 100% relatable if you’ve ever owned a turtle who stares at you like you’re doing everything wrong.
🛒 Grab the ebook here – just $4.99 for turtle wisdom and sass in one package.
You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll never look at your turtle the same way again.
Identification
Description
This species has a dome-shaped shell with intricate patterns of dark and light markings. Its head is notably large, adapted for crushing snail shells, with yellow stripes running along the sides. The plastron is yellowish with black blotches on each scute.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females tend to grow larger than males, with more rounded shells. Males have longer tails and a more concave plastron to aid in mating.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Malayemys macrocephala is native to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Laos. It is commonly found in slow-moving rivers, canals, and rice paddies.
Preferred Habitat
This turtle thrives in freshwater habitats such as marshes, ponds, and shallow rivers with abundant vegetation. It prefers areas with a soft, muddy substrate where it can hunt snails.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
As its name suggests, this species primarily feeds on snails, using its powerful jaws to crack shells. It may also consume other small invertebrates and plant matter occasionally.
Predators
Natural predators include larger fish, birds, and mammals. Juveniles are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, when water levels are higher.
Reproductive Method
Females lay clutches of 4–8 eggs in sandy or muddy banks. Hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of about 60–90 days.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Habitat destruction, pollution, and overharvesting for the pet trade are significant threats to this species.
Conservation Measures
Conservation efforts include habitat protection, breeding programs, and regulations to control trade.
Economic Importance
The Malayan snail-eating turtle plays a role in controlling snail populations, which can benefit agriculture. It is also sought after in the exotic pet trade.
Interesting Facts
This turtle’s powerful jaws can crush even the hardest snail shells. It is one of the few turtles specialized for a diet consisting predominantly of mollusks. Despite its preference for snails, it can adapt its diet to survive in changing environments.
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.
