Arrau turtle
A species of South american river turtles, Also known as Giant south american turtle, Arrau sideneck turtle Scientific name : Podocnemis expansa Genus : South american river turtles
Arrau turtle, A species of South american river turtles
Also known as:
Giant south american turtle, Arrau sideneck turtle
Scientific name: Podocnemis expansa
Genus: South american river turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Photo by David J. Stang , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa), also known as the South American river turtle, giant South American turtle, giant Amazon River turtle, Arrau sideneck turtle or simply the Arrau, is the largest of the side-neck turtles (Pleurodira) and the largest freshwater turtle in Latin America. The species primarily feeds on plant material and typically nests in large groups on beaches. Due to hunting of adults, collecting of their eggs, pollution, habit
General Info
Lifespan
40-60 years
Diet
Arrau turtle predominantly feeds on aquatic vegetation, consuming a variety of submerged and floating plants. This diet is supplemented with fruits, seeds, insects, mollusks, and occasionally small fish.
Appearance
Arrau turtle is a large river turtle with a rectangular, streamlined shell measuring up to 1 meter. Its skin and upper shell are dark, while the under shell, beige. The adult males have a concave under shell and longer, curved tails. A notable feature is its strong, sharp beak used to tear its food. Young individuals have brighter, more varied colors that fade with age.
Behavior
Arrau turtle exhibits a largely aquatic lifestyle, spending significant time foraging underwater. Notably, females journey ashore for communal nesting, demonstrating a unique social dynamic. The species actively defends nesting sites, signifying territorial behavior. For survival, arrau turtle relies on its protective carapace to counter predation.
Scientific Classification
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
