Species Detail
Fly River Turtle
Softshell Turtles

Fly River Turtle

Carettochelys insculpta

Habitat

Rivers, streams, and estuaries

Range

New Guinea, Northern Australia

Adult Size

14-22 in (35-56 cm)

Diet

Omnivorous: fruit, leaves, insects, snails

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Vulnerable

About this species

Also known as the Pig-Nosed Turtle due to its snout-like nose. The only freshwater turtle with flippers like a sea turtle.

Enrichment & behavioral stimulation

Fly River Turtle is aquatic — enrichment centers on water quality, basking, and foraging variety.

  • Provide varied water depth with deep areas for swimming and shallow shelves for resting.
  • Add a sturdy dry basking platform under heat and UV.
  • Introduce gentle water movement or aeration for sensory variety.
  • Scatter food in the water to encourage swimming and searching.
  • Include underwater cover and hiding spots to reduce stress.
  • Provide a dry haul-out area for basking and resting.

Housing & Social Behavior

Solitary

Highly sensitive and prone to stress in group settings.

Housing guidance is general and based on species-typical behavior; always verify against current husbandry references and observe individual temperament.

Reptifiles Husbandry Guides The Reptile Database IUCN SSC Reptile Specialist Group