Alligator Snapping Turtle
2 Photo Gallery
1 Overview
The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is the heaviest freshwater turtle on Earth. It is a sedentary ambush predator that lies motionless on the river bottom and wiggles a pink, worm-like appendage on its tongue to lure fish straight into its mouth.
NOTE: the source page’s English name ‘Macroclemystemminckii’ is a misspelling; the correct binomial is Macrochelys temminckii.
2 Appearance
The shell is massive and rough, with three rows of pronounced ridges (keels) and a strongly serrated rear edge. The head is huge with a beak-like jaw and eyes set far back, and the tail is long and spiked.
Adults can exceed 30 years of age and weigh well over 30 kg in the wild; even captive animals are formidable.
3 Care & Temperament
This is an expert-only species. It needs a very large, deep aquarium or outdoor pond, powerful filtration, and absolutely secure handling – its bite can amputate fingers.
It is almost entirely aquatic and will rarely bask. Never house it with other turtles; it will eat them.
4 Habitat & Environment
In nature it inhabits deep rivers, lakes, and canals with soft bottoms and submerged structure. Replicate with deep, well-filtered water and a substratum it can settle into.
Water temperature in the low-to-mid 20s C is suitable; strong filtration is essential because it is a messy feeder.
5 Diet & Feeding
A carnivore and opportunistic scavenger: whole fish, prawns, earthworms, and occasional rodent prey. In captivity, thawed fish and specialised turtle diets are staples.
Feed in water and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.