Native to southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Cambodia, this softshell species stands out even among its unusual relatives thanks to its distinctive warty skin folds, called “wattles,” that hang from its neck and throat. These strange, fleshy lobes give the turtle both its name and its unmistakable appearance. With its smooth, pancake-like shell, snorkel-like snout, and ornate neck frills, the wattle-necked softshell turtle is a true oddity of evolution—adapted perfectly for stealth, survival, and life beneath the surface of slow-moving Asian rivers.
Like other softshell turtles, its shell isn’t hard or domed but flat, flexible, and leathery, covered in soft skin rather than rigid scutes. This allows it to move through water with minimal resistance and bury itself easily in sand or mud, leaving only its eyes and snout exposed. Its long, tubular nose acts like a built-in snorkel, letting it breathe while remaining hidden just beneath the surface. But it’s the neck wattles—those fleshy, frilled flaps—that set it apart. They’re thought to serve as sensory organs, helping the turtle detect vibrations or movements in the water, and perhaps even confusing prey or predators with their unusual texture. Together, these features make it a master of camouflage and stealth in the murky riverbeds it calls home.
The wattle-necked softshell turtle is primarily aquatic and carnivorous, feeding on fish, snails, insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. It’s an ambush predator—lying perfectly still, half-buried in the sediment, and striking with lightning speed when something edible swims by. Its long neck and powerful jaws make it a surprisingly efficient hunter, despite its calm demeanor. It also scavenges when the opportunity arises, helping to keep its habitat clean. At times, it supplements its diet with aquatic plants or fallen fruit, showing its adaptability to different food sources depending on the season.
Distribution
China
Hong Kong
Laos
Mauritius
United States
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
