Podocnemididae – American Side-necked turtles
Efficient swimmers thanks to their round shells and shorter necks than other Pleurodira families
Most side-necked turtles are under 20cm (8 in) long, making them tiny and easy to miss. Individuals can have a tan, dark brown, grey, or black skin. The top of the head is marked in black and ranges in color from olive to brown.
Members of this family are omnivores, like many other side-necked turtles. Their food is primarily carnivorous when they are still young. However, they eat more plants when they grow older and become adults. Adults frequently consume water insects, small amphibians or fish, and aquatic plants.
Genera in this family
Home of the largest freshwater turtles from South America
