One of Asia’s most remarkable freshwater reptiles—an ancient-looking, leathery creature that seems straight out of prehistory. Found across a broad range of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this turtle is perfectly adapted to a life spent almost entirely underwater. With its flattened, rubbery shell, long snorkel-like snout, and camouflaged, olive-brown skin, the Asiatic softshell turtle may not have the charm of its hard-shelled cousins, but it’s a true master of stealth, survival, and quiet efficiency.

Unlike most turtles that have rigid, bony shells, this species’ carapace is soft and flexible, covered in leathery skin that allows for greater agility in the water. This flattened design lets it bury itself completely in the mud or sand of riverbeds, exposing only its eyes and tubular nostrils. From this hidden position, it can breathe while submerged and strike at unsuspecting prey with astonishing speed. Its long neck and powerful jaws make it an effective ambush predator—quick, silent, and precise. Despite its somewhat comical appearance, with a snout like a tiny snorkel and an almost pancake-flat body, it’s one of the most successful aquatic hunters in its environment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this turtle is its respiratory adaptability. The Asiatic softshell turtle can breathe through its skin and the lining of its throat, a process called cutaneous respiration. This allows it to stay submerged for hours without surfacing for air, an ability that few other turtles possess. Some research even suggests that it can absorb oxygen directly from the water through its mouth, allowing it to hibernate or rest underwater during dry or cold seasons. Its blood vessels extend into its skin and mouth tissues to make this possible—an evolutionary masterpiece that lets it outlast both predators and environmental challenges.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2000

Cambodia

2000

Indonesia

2000

Laos

2000

Malaysia

2000

Myanmar

2000

Singapore

2000

Thailand

2000

Vietnam

2000