Morenia ocellata (Burmese Eyed turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Morenia ocellata (Burmese Eyed turtle)
Morenia ocellata, commonly known as the Burmese Eyed Turtle, is a freshwater species found in Southeast Asia. Recognized for the distinctive eye-like spots on its shell, this turtle is semi-aquatic and prefers slow-moving waters.
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Morenia
Species: Morenia ocellata
Common Names
Burmese Eyed Turtle
Ocellated 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
Morenia ocellata has a moderately domed carapace with a brown to olive coloration. The plastron is yellowish with dark blotches. The most distinctive feature is the presence of circular eye-like markings on the shell. Its head is small with a pointed snout and a light stripe running from the nose to the back of the head.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females grow larger than males and have a broader shell. Males have longer, thicker tails, while females possess a more rounded and robust body structure.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is native to Myanmar and parts of western Thailand. It primarily inhabits lowland freshwater ecosystems, including river basins and floodplains.
Preferred Habitat
Morenia ocellata thrives in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater environments like ponds, marshes, and slow rivers. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and soft substrates, providing both food and shelter.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
This species is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, fruits, small invertebrates, and occasional carrion. It is known to forage in shallow waters and along the banks.
Predators
Juveniles are vulnerable to birds, large fish, and mammals, while adults face threats from humans and larger aquatic predators.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy months, when water levels are high.
Reproductive Method
Females lay small clutches of eggs in sandy or loamy soil near water bodies. Hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of several weeks, depending on temperature conditions.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Morenia ocellata is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal poaching for the pet trade and traditional medicine significantly threaten this species. Agricultural expansion and dam construction also disrupt its natural habitat.
Conservation Measures
Protection of wetland habitats, enforcement of anti-poaching laws, and breeding programs in captivity are crucial efforts in conserving this species. Conservation groups also work to raise awareness about its ecological importance.
Economic Importance
This turtle is sometimes collected for the pet trade, though its rarity and conservation status limit legal trade. It also plays a role in local ecosystems by helping control aquatic vegetation and small invertebrate populations.
Interesting Facts
- The eye-like spots on its shell serve as a form of camouflage, potentially deterring predators.
- Unlike many turtles, Morenia ocellata is highly dependent on well-vegetated aquatic habitats.
- It is one of the lesser-known Asian freshwater turtles, making conservation efforts challenging due to limited research.
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.
