Afro-American River Turtles: Podocnemididae
Physical Characteristics
The Afro-American river turtle is described as a "side-necked" turtle because it cannot pull its neck and head straight back into the shell. Instead, it folds its neck sideways under its shell. The largest member of this family has an upper shell, or carapace (KARE-a-pays), that reaches 42 inches (107 centimeters) in length. Afro-American river turtles have only four toes on their hind feet. Some species also have barbells (BAR-buhls), which are bits of flesh that dangle from their chins. Some scientists believe that these turtles should be grouped with similar turtles in the family Pelomedusidae, which live in mainly in Africa.
Additional topics
Animal Life ResourceDinosaurs, Snakes, and Other ReptilesAfro-American River Turtles: Podocnemididae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, South American River Turtle (podocnemis Expansa): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, AFRO-AMERICAN RIVER TURTLES AND PE