Diet
New Guinea Snapping Turtles are omnivores, eating fallen fruit, aquatic plants, snails, insects, crustaceans and small fish.
Average lifespan
Can live 30 years or more in human care.
Size
Adults typically reach a shell length of 20 to 30 centimetres (8 to 12 inches), with females usually larger than males.
Weight
Adults usually weigh around 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 6.5 pounds).
About
New Guinea Snapping Turtles are native to the rivers, streams, lakes and swamps of New Guinea, where they spend almost their entire lives in the water. You can meet ours at Reptilia Whitby, swimming alongside the fish in our big aquatic exhibit. Despite the name, they aren’t related to North American snapping turtles – they’re Australasian side-necked turtles.
Size and behavior
They have a smooth, flattened brown shell, a pale yellowish underside and large webbed feet with sharp claws that make them strong swimmers. As side-necked turtles, they can’t pull their head straight back into their shell – instead they fold their neck sideways under the edge of the shell. They are active during the day and often bask on logs and rocks.
Diet and nutrition
In the wild they eat a lot of fruit that drops into the water from overhanging trees, along with plants, snails, insects and other small animals. At Reptilia they are fed a varied diet of aquatic turtle pellets, greens, fruit and protein foods to keep their shells and bones healthy.
Tropical Rivers & Lakes
Conservation status
Not currently considered threatened, though their populations are not well studied. Like many freshwater turtles in the region, they face pressure from habitat change and collection for food and the pet trade.
Fun fact
These turtles have a strong bite for their size – their name comes from the quick snap they give if handled – but they are generally shy and would rather swim away than fight.
Common Name: New Guinea Snapping Turtle
Also known as: N/A
Visit in person
Animals on display vary by location and may change from day to day.