Amyda

One of the most intriguing and ancient lineages of turtles in the world—an odd and almost alien-looking group of softshell turtles that inhabit the rivers, lakes, and swamps of South and Southeast Asia. Unlike the hard-shelled turtles most people imagine, members of Amyda are distinguished by their flattened, leathery bodies, long snorkel-like snouts, and smooth, flexible shells that make them perfectly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The most well-known species, the Asiatic softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea), is widespread across countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, and embodies everything that makes this genus so fascinating—ancient grace, stealthy hunting, and surprising intelligence.

Their shells, unlike those of hard-shelled turtles, are made of soft, leathery skin stretched over a reduced bony structure, giving them a flattened, pancake-like shape that allows them to glide effortlessly through water and bury themselves completely in sand or mud. Their long, tubular snouts act like natural snorkels, letting them breathe while remaining almost fully submerged—a perfect adaptation for ambushing prey or avoiding predators. Their bodies are streamlined, and their strong webbed limbs make them powerful swimmers, capable of darting away with surprising speed. Beneath their soft, pliable shells, however, lies a tough and efficient predator perfectly attuned to its watery world.

Amyda turtles are mostly carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, snails, and aquatic insects, though they’ll occasionally consume fruit or carrion. They are sit-and-wait hunters, lying buried in the substrate with only their eyes and nostrils exposed, striking like lightning when prey passes by. Their sharp, beak-like jaws can deliver a surprisingly strong bite, and they use their long necks to snatch food with quick precision. In some regions, locals have nicknamed them “mud assassins” for their stealthy hunting tactics. Despite their predatory nature, they are also known for their calm and patient demeanor, spending hours resting motionless beneath the water’s surface, blending perfectly with their surroundings.