The Fly River Turtle is a species of turtle that is native to parts of Northern Australia. It can also be found in parts of Southern New Guinea.
This species has a number of other common names including the Pig-Nosed Turtle and the Pitted-Shelled Turtle.
Fly River Turtle Taxonomy
The Fly River Turtle is related to the soft-shell turtles but is classed under an entirely different family.
They belong to the same ‘Super Family’ called Trionychia. This super family contains only two families.
The Carettochelyidae family which this species belongs to and the Trionychidae family which contains the species of Softshell Turtle.
The Fly River Turtle is the only species in the Carettochelyidae family. The genus that it belongs to is called Carettochelys.
The scientific name for this species is Carettochelys insculpta and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1886 by an Australian Zoologist named Edward Pierson Ramsay.
Fly River Turtle Description
The Fly River Turtle can grow to an impressive size, with some individuals reaching up to 24 inches (60 cm) in shell length.
Their most notable feature is its unique pig-like snout, which is used to reach the water’s surface while keeping the rest of its body submerged.
This adaptation helps it breathe without fully exposing itself to potential predators.
Its shell is relatively flat and smooth, resembling that of a pancake, and is usually brownish in color.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The geographical distribution of the Fly River Turtle is limited to specific regions in northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
In Australia, they can be found in the freshwater habitats of northern Australia, particularly in the rivers and waterways of Queensland and the Northern Territory.
It is most commonly found in the Northern Territory’s rivers and streams, such as the Daly River and Adelaide River.
The Fly River Turtle is also found in the Southern and South-Western regions of New Guinea.
These turtles are predominantly found in freshwater habitats, including slow-moving rivers, streams, lagoons, and swamps.
They are often observed basking on logs or rocks along the water’s edge.
Fly River Turtle Behaviour
The Fly River Turtle is well adapted to an aquatic lifestyle and are strong swimmers.
They have webbed feet, which aid in swimming, and are known for their graceful movements underwater.
They are an omnivorous species, meaning they consumes both plant and animal matter.
Its diet includes aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and occasionally small fish. They use their specialized jaws to crush and grind their food.
The Female Fly River Turtle lays eggs in sandy or gravelly areas near the water’s edge.
The eggs hatch after an incubation period, and the hatchlings make their way to the water.
The sex of the hatchlings is influenced by the incubation temperature, with warmer temperatures typically resulting in female turtles.