Unlike many other turtles, painted terrapin cannot release excess salt from its body, limiting them only to freshwater habitats. These turtles can be naturally found in countries like Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo, but they are now spread worldwide due to their global trade.
Despite what their name suggests, they are very dull-colored throughout the year and only become brightly colored during the breeding season when they develop a bright red colored strip on their shell. Due to their increasing global trade and rapid habitat destruction, the species is Critically endangered.
Distribution




Did you know?
- Painted terrapin was listed in The World’s Most 25 Endangered Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises 2011.
Anything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (szie) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No