Murray river turtle
A species of Australian short-necked turtles, Also known as Eastern short-necked turtle, Macquarie turtle, Brisbane river turtle, Murray turtle Scientific name : Emydura macquarii Genus : Australian short-necked turtles
Murray river turtle, A species of Australian short-necked turtles
Also known as:
Eastern short-necked turtle, Macquarie turtle, Brisbane river turtle, Murray turtle
Scientific name: Emydura macquarii
Genus: Australian short-necked turtles
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii ) is a wide-ranging species that occurs throughout many of the rivers of the eastern half of Australia. It is found primarily in the Murray River Basin and all its major tributaries, along with a number of coastal rivers up the New South Wales Coast. It is also found in the coastal Queensland Rivers and the Cooper Creek Ecosystem, along with Fraser Island.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Murray river turtle has an omnivorous diet, primarily consisting of aquatic vegetation. It also consumes a variety of insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Seasonal variations influence their dietary patterns significantly.
Appearance
Murray river turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle with a streamlined, oval shape and smooth, hard shell. Its shell primarily features shades of brown, grey, or black, sometimes displaying irregular patterns. Notably, its skin and limbs, lighter in color than the shell, are also patterned. The head is large with bold, yellow stripes stretching from the snout to the neck. Both sexes share similar appearances, while juveniles exhibit brighter coloration.
Behavior
The murray river turtle is a highly social species, frequently seen in small groups. This nocturnal animal is mainly active at night, foraging for a wide range of flora and fauna. Notable for its sedentary behavior, murray river turtle rarely migrates but vigorously defends its area from intruders. Adapted to aquatic habitats, this turtle is an adept swimmer and spends a large portion of its life underwater.
Scientific Classification
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