Pelodiscus

Unlike the hard-shelled pond turtles, Pelodiscus turtles are easily recognized by their flat, leathery shells, long, snorkel-like snouts, and wide, pancake-shaped bodies. Their carapace is not hard and domed but soft, flexible, and covered in leathery skin, giving them a smooth and unusual appearance. This adaptation allows them to glide gracefully through water and bury themselves in sand or mud, leaving only their nose exposed to breathe—an excellent strategy for both hunting and hiding.

The most well-known species is the Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), which is widespread across China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Other species in the genus are more localized, with recent research showing that what was once thought to be a single species is actually a complex of several distinct species, some of which are rare and endangered. Their colors are usually olive to brownish-gray, sometimes with speckles or blotches that help them blend into muddy water.

Behaviorally, Pelodiscus turtles are highly aquatic. They prefer rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes with sandy or muddy bottoms. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their lives submerged, surfacing only briefly to breathe. Thanks to their snorkel-like snouts, they can remain hidden underwater while taking in air. They are omnivores, feeding on fish, crustaceans, insects, snails, and aquatic plants, but they are also opportunistic scavengers. A cool fact is that they can even absorb oxygen through their skin and throat lining, allowing them to stay underwater longer than most turtles.