Species Detail
Big-headed Turtle
Turtles & Tortoises

Big-headed Turtle

Platysternon megacephalum shiui

Habitat

High altitude streams.

Range

Vietnam.

Adult Size

Up to 12 in (Up to 30 cm)

Diet

Crustaceans

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Critically Endangered

About this species

A robust, smaller-range subspecies. It is heavily poached for the pet trade.

Enrichment & behavioral stimulation

Big-headed 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

Extremely aggressive; must be housed alone.

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