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Softshell Turtle (other)
The Trionychidae are a Taxonomy (biology), taxonomic family (biology), family of a number of turtle genus, genera, commonly known as softshell turtles. The family was erected by Leopold Fitzinger in 1826. Softshells include some of the world's largest freshwater turtles, though many can adapt to living in highly brackish areas. Members of this family occur in Africa, Asia, and North America, with extinct species known from Australia. Most species have traditionally been included in the genus ''Trionyx'', but the vast majority have since been moved to other genera. Among these are the North American ''Apalone'' softshells that were placed in ''Trionyx'' until 1987. Characteristics They are called "softshell" because their carapaces lack horny scutes (scales), though the spiny softshell, ''Apalone spinifera'', does have some scale-like projections, hence its name. The carapace is leathery and pliable, particularly at the sides. The central part of the carapace has a layer of solid ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Pelodiscus Sinensis
The Chinese softshell turtle (''Pelodiscus sinensis'') is a species of softshell turtle that is native to China (Inner Mongolia to Guangxi, including Hong Kong) and Taiwan, with records of escapees—some of which have established introduced populations—in a wide range of other Asian countries, as well as Spain, Brazil and Hawaii. Populations native to Northeast China, Russia, Korea and Japan were formerly included in this species, but are now regarded as separate as the northern Chinese softshell turtle (''P. maackii''). Furthermore, localized populations in Guangxi and Hunan (where the Chinese softshell turtle also is present), as well as Vietnam, are recognized as the lesser Chinese softshell turtle (''P. parviformis'') and Hunan softshell turtle (''P. axenaria''). The Chinese softshell turtle is a vulnerable species, threatened by disease, habitat loss, and collection for food such as turtle soup. Additionally, millions are now farmed, especially in China, to support t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
