Red river giant softshell turtle
A species of Bicallosite softshell turtles, Also known as Hoàn kiếm turtle, Shanghai softshell turtle, Swinhoe's softshell turtle Scientific name : Rafetus swinhoei Genus : Bicallosite softshell turtles
Red river giant softshell turtle, A species of Bicallosite softshell turtles
Also known as:
Hoàn kiếm turtle, Shanghai softshell turtle, Swinhoe's softshell turtle
Scientific name: Rafetus swinhoei
Genus: Bicallosite softshell turtles
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) also known as the Red River giant softshell turtle, Shanghai softshell turtle, Swinhoeâs softshell turtle or speckled softshell turtle (Chinese: æé±; Pinyin: bÄn bÄ«e) is an extremely rare species of softshell turtle found in China. Only three living individuals are known, two in China and one in Vietnam, (a fourth having been reported dead in January 2016), and it is listed as critically endanger
General Info
Lifespan
100-150 years
Diet
Red river giant softshell turtle is commonly categorized as an omnivorous freshwater turtle, with a dietary preference towards crab, fish and snails. Their unique penchant for figs and leaves also denotes them as sporadic herbivores.
Appearance
Red river giant softshell turtle is a large freshwater turtle with a thick, flat, leathery shell, typically dark green with yellow streaks. With an elongated, pig-like snout and small eyes, its head is primarily light grey. They can reach lengths of up to 100 cm. Males have a longer tail and are slightly smaller than females. They have clawed, webbed feet suitable for its aquatic lifestyle. There's no significant appearance changes due to age.
Behavior
Red river giant softshell turtle is largely solitary and largely piscivorous, relying on sight to locate prey. The species is known for an unusual courtship ritual involving mutual nudging and bobbing. It exhibits occasional basking behavior but spends most of its time submerged, surfacing periodically for air.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Softshell turtles Species
Red river giant softshell turtle 
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