Phrynops tuberosus (Cotinga River toadhead turtle)
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Phrynops tuberosus, also known as the Cotinga River toadhead turtle, is a freshwater turtle species found in parts of South America. It belongs to the Chelidae family and is known for its distinct flattened head and river-dwelling habits.
Native To These Regions
Amazonas (Brazil), French Guiana, Guyana, Pará (Brazil), Roraima (Brazil), Suriname, VenezuelaNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Chelidae
Genus: Phrynops
Species: Phrynops tuberosus
Common Names
Cotinga River toadhead turtle
Tartaruga-de-cabeça-de-sapo (Portuguese)
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a broad, flattened head that resembles a toad, which gives it the name “toadhead.” The carapace is oval and typically brown to olive in color. Its skin is grayish with lighter patches, and the neck is long and retracts sideways.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller than females and have longer, thicker tails. Females tend to have shorter tails and broader shells.
Check more turtles from the Phrynops genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is native to the Amazon Basin and primarily found in the Cotinga River region in northern Brazil. It may also appear in nearby river systems in the western Amazon.
Preferred Habitat
Phrynops tuberosus lives in slow-moving freshwater rivers, flooded forests, and streams. It prefers areas with soft muddy bottoms and plenty of vegetation.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet includes fish, insects, amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. It hunts by ambush, using its long neck to strike quickly.
Predators
Young turtles face threats from birds, large fish, and reptiles. Adults are mostly vulnerable to humans and large carnivores.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding likely happens during the rainy season, though data is limited.
Reproductive Method
It lays eggs on riverbanks. Females dig shallow nests in sandy or muddy areas and cover the eggs before returning to the water.
Conservation
Extinction Status
least concern
Threats
Habitat destruction, pollution, and collection for the pet trade may pose risks in some areas.
Conservation Measures
There are no specific protections for this species, but broader conservation efforts in the Amazon help maintain its habitat.
Economic Importance
This turtle has little commercial value. In some areas, it may be caught for food or sold locally, but it is not heavily targeted.
Interesting Facts
Its flattened head and long neck make it resemble a snake when it strikes at prey.
Phrynops tuberosus is part of a unique group of South American side-necked turtles that can’t pull their heads straight into their shells.
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.
