Fly River Turtle
Carettochelys insculpta
Also known as: New Guinea Plateless Turtle, Pig-nosed Turtle, Pig-Nosed Turtle, Pignose turtle, Pig-nose Turtle
A fully aquatic turtle with flippers, a pig-like snout, and a serious attitude.
About
The Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is one of the most unusual freshwater turtles you'll ever come across, and not just because of that fleshy, upturned snout that gives it one of its more colorful nicknames. The Pig-Nosed Turtle. Unlike most freshwater turtles, it has large, paddle-like flippers rather than webbed feet, making it look more like a small sea turtle than anything you'd expect to find in a river. In the wild it inhabits river systems and lakes across southern New Guinea and northern Australia, where it spends virtually all its time in the water. Keeping one is a long-term commitment in every sense. These animals can live several decades, and adults reach a size that demands serious tank space. Temperament is another consideration that beginners often underestimate: this species can be genuinely aggressive toward tankmates, and those jaws are strong enough to cause real harm. Mixing it with other turtles is generally a bad idea. The omnivorous diet is straightforward enough, but the combination of size, aggression, longevity, and specific water needs means this turtle suits a keeper who has done their homework, despite what the care level label might suggest.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Fly River Turtle
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Fly River Turtle get?
- The Fly River Turtle reaches about 20–24" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Fly River Turtle need?
- A minimum of 200 gallons is recommended for the Fly River Turtle.
- What water parameters does the Fly River Turtle need?
- The Fly River Turtle does best with a temperature of 79–86°F, a pH of 7–8, hardness around 5–15 dGH.
- Is the Fly River Turtle aggressive?
- The Fly River Turtle is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Fly River Turtle eat?
- The Fly River Turtle is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Fly River Turtle live?
- With good care, the Fly River Turtle typically lives 20-40 years.