Freshwater Turtle

With the exception of the Pig-nosed Turtle (Family Carettochelydidae), Australian native freshwater turtles are all members of the family Chelidae. These turtles have webbed feet and relatively flattened shells covered by though horny scutes (scales).

Sometimes referred to as a ‘tortoise’, the terms ‘freshwater turtle’ or 'terrapin' are now more widely used, distinguishing it from relatives; the marine turtle and the dome-shelled, wholly terrestrial true tortoises of other countries.

Turtle, Tortoise or Terrapin?