Indian softshell turtle
Skull of the Ganges soft-shelled turtle
The Ganges soft-shelled turtle ( Aspideretes gangeticus ) is a kind of soft-shelled turtles, which is attributed to the genus of the Indian soft-shelled turtles. It is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent and there is frequent. The very large expectant turtle is considered to be aggressive. With their powerful jaws, it is to tear deep wounds in a position, even people. To their food include water birds that are as big as a coot or teals.
Appearance
The Ganges soft-shelled turtle has a carapace length of up to 94 centimeters. The carapace is dark gray to dark green and is provided with a grid drawing. The plastron, however, is off-white, pink or pale yellow. The green head has the top on some black stripes. The jaw is yellowish, while the head underside is cream colored. Males can be distinguished from the females in their longer tail. The cloacal opening is with them also closer to the tail tip.
Distribution area, habitat and food
The main distribution area of the Ganges softshell turtles are the river systems of the Indus, Ganges and Mahanadi. It also occurs in the rivers Bhogava, Viswa Mitti, Tapi, Mahi, Luni and Purna. Away from the rivers, they can also be found in lakes and ponds. She digs preferably at the bottom of the water in the mud.
The Ganges soft-shelled turtle is an omnivorous Art It is known that it also engages coots, cormorants and teals and attracts underwater. Also remains of the Indian flap-shelled turtle have been found in their stomachs. To their prey range also includes frogs, fish, mollusks, and grasshoppers.
Reproduction
The mating season coincides with the rainy season and takes place in shallow water. The females lay the Nistgruben in May. According to previous findings is the clutch size 11-47 eggs. The eggs are round and hard shells. Between oviposition and hatching of young animals takes about 251-310 days.