Big-headed Snake-necked Turtle

1 Overview

The big-headed snake-necked turtle (Chelodina colliei, often called McCord’s snapping turtle) is a South American chelid with a disproportionately large head and a long neck. It is carnivorous and grows large.

SOURCE NOTE: the source described it as a ‘Big-headed Pantanal swamp turtle’; the accepted binomial is Chelodina colliei.

2 Appearance

The dark carapace is moderately domed; the head is notably broad and the neck long. Adults can reach 25-30 cm.

3 Care & Temperament

Requires a large, deep, well-filtered aquarium or pond with a basking area. Largely aquatic and a strong feeder.

Shell rot follows poor water quality; strong filtration is essential.

4 Habitat & Environment

Rivers and wetlands. Keep warm, clean, deep water with a dry basking spot and UVB.

5 Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous: fish, insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. Feed in water; moderate portions.