Pelochelys

Found in parts of Southeast Asia and New Guinea, these turtles stand out for their sheer size and their odd, leathery appearance. Unlike the hard, domed shells most people picture when they think of turtles, Pelochelys species have flat, leathery shells covered in skin rather than solid scutes. This gives them a smooth, pancake-like look that helps them glide easily through the water. Some individuals can grow up to one meter (over 3 feet) in shell length, making them among the largest freshwater turtles in the world.

What makes Pelochelys different from many other softshell turtles is not just their size but also their long, snorkel-like neck and tubular nose. These adaptations allow them to stay buried under sand or mud with only their tiny nostrils poking out of the water’s surface, letting them breathe while staying hidden from predators—or while ambushing prey. Their diet is carnivorous, consisting mainly of fish, crustaceans, and sometimes waterfowl, making them skilled hunters in rivers and lakes. Their long necks can strike out with surprising speed, snatching unsuspecting fish that swim too close.

Despite their massive size and hunting skills, giant softshell turtles are shy and secretive. They spend much of their time resting on river bottoms or buried in sandbanks, surfacing quietly to breathe. They’re also strong swimmers, using their broad, flipper-like limbs to glide effortlessly through the water. Unfortunately, this secretive lifestyle and their limited range mean they are rarely seen, and their populations have declined due to habitat destruction, hunting, and egg collection. Today, most species within the genus are considered threatened or endangered, making them a high priority for conservation.