Malayan softshell turtle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Malayan softshell turtle
Dogania subplana from Bogor
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Trionyx subplanus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809 Gymnopus subplanus A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835 Amyda subplana Fitzinger, 1843 Dogania subplana Gray, 1844 Trionyx frenatus Gray, 1856 Dogania guentheri Gray, 1862 Trionyx guentheri Günther, 1864 Potamochelys frenatus Gray, 1864 Sarbieria frenata Gray, 1869 Trionyx dillwynii Gray, 1873 Trionyx vertebralis Strauch, 1890 Trionyx pecki Bartlett, 1895 Dogania guntheri M.A. Smith, 1931 (ex errore) Dogania subprana Nutaphand, 1979 (ex errore) Dogania subplanus Gaffney & Meylan, 1988 Trionyx subprana Nutaphand, 1990 Trionix subplanus Richard, 1999

The Malayan softshell turtle (Dogania subplana) is a unique type of turtle known for its soft, flat shell. Unlike most turtles with hard shells, this one has a leathery, flexible shell. It belongs to a special group called softshell turtles, and it's the only species in its genus. This makes it quite special in the animal kingdom!

Where Do Malayan Softshell Turtles Live?

These interesting turtles are found in many parts of Southeast Asia. You can find them in countries like Brunei, Indonesia (including Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra), Malaysia (including Sabah and Sarawak), Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore. They prefer to live in places with clean, flowing water.

What Does a Malayan Softshell Turtle Look Like?

Malayan softshell turtles can grow to be about 35 centimeters (or 13.7 inches) long. That's about the length of a standard ruler!

Shell and Head Features

• Flat Shell: Their shell is very flat and has straight sides. This helps them move easily in their watery homes.
• Strong Head: They have a large, muscular head. This powerful head helps them with their diet.
• Long Nose: Like other softshell turtles, they have a long, tapered nose. It looks a bit like a snorkel!

Colors and Markings

These turtles are usually a medium to dark brown-green color. When they are young, called juveniles, they have some cool markings:

• They have reddish sides on their neck.
• Their shell has a few round black spots, like little eyes (these are called ocelli).

As the turtles get older, these special markings fade away.

What is the Habitat of This Turtle?

The Malayan softshell turtle loves to live in habitats with clean, moving water. They are often found in rocky streams, especially those located at higher elevations. Imagine clear mountain streams – that's their kind of place!

What Do Malayan Softshell Turtles Eat?

These turtles are quite good at finding food in their watery homes. Their main diet includes snails and other molluscs. They have very powerful jaws that help them crush the shells of these creatures to get to the soft parts inside.