Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle |
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| Fossil carapace | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chitra
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| Species: |
chitra
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| Synonyms | |
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The Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra chitra) is a large species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is endemic to Southeast Asia.
Common names
Chitra chitra is also known commonly as Nutaphand's narrowhead softshell. It is a name given in honor of Wirot Nutaphand, a Thai herpetologist who did taxonomy.
Description
C. chitra can reach a straight carapace length of 4.9 ft (1.5 m).
Geographic range
C. chitra is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Habitat
C. chitra inhabits freshwater rivers and their tributaries.
Reproduction
C. chitra is oviparous. Nutaphand (1986) reported that a large female laid over 100 eggs.
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
- Chitra chitra chitra Nutaphand, 1986 – Malaysia, Thailand
- Chitra chitra javanensis McCord & Pritchard, 2003 – Java, Sumatra
In captivity
The largest C. chitra in the world was a female named Sumo. She was a pet in the possession of Kittipong Jaruthanin, a Thai fish explorer and collector. She died in September 2023, aged more than 40 years.
