Pelodiscus sinensis
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English name: Chinese Softshell Turtle (aka “Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle”)
Scientific name: Pelodiscus sinensis (formerly known as Trionyx sinensis)
Thai name:
Description: Shell is up to 33 cm long. An average-sized turtle with a flat shell. Like all softshell turtles, its shell has a soft, leathery appearance. The front edge of the shell has a single bump. The head and neck are especially long and end in a tubular snout. The head and neck are light brown, sometimes with dark lines. Shell is grey, olive, or light brown. Underside of shell is cream.
Similar Species: Southeast Asian Softshell Turtle is much larger, with a stouter neck and many bumps lining the front of the shell.
Habitat: Can be found in slow-moving water bodies such as ponds and lakes. Prefers waterways with muddy substrate.
Contribution to the ecosystem: Eats fish, frogs, snails, worms, and insects. Eaten by monitors, and the young are eaten by birds and fish.
Danger to humans: This turtle is aggressive and bites, but is not seriously dangerous to humans.
Conservation status and threats: The Chinese Softshell Turtle is not native to Thailand, but has been introduced for food production and because of released pets and merit release. Over 100 million are sold from Chinese turtle farms every year. It grows faster, matures earlier, and lays more eggs than native softshell turtles, which could lead to it outcompeting native turtle species. It has also been introduced to other southeast Asian countries, Guam, and Hawaii. In its native countries of Korea, China, and Vietnam, it is considered “Vulnerable” and its numbers are decreasing due to the hunting of the turtles for food.
Interesting facts: Softshell turtles have a range of adaptations that give them a quite different appearance than other turtles. Their soft, flat shell is lighter and more streamlined so they can chase their prey through the water. The flat shell also allows them to bury easily in the mud. The long neck and narrow head can move quickly to grab prey in the water, as well as reach up to breathe while exposing none of the body. And the wide, flat feet act like paddles to propel them through the water.
References:
Wikipedia: Pelodiscus sinensis
USGS Fact Sheet: Pelodiscus sinensis
IUCN Red List: Pelodiscus sinensis
A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia
Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition)
The Turtles of Thailand
Reptiles and Amphibians of Thailand 