Platysternon megacephalum
big-headed turtle

This species is distributed throughout southeastern Asia. It occurs in southern China (including Hainan Island), southwest through northern Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, and northern Thailand to southern Burma. (Barbour and Ernst, 1989; Kirkpatrick, 1995)

Platysternon megacephalum lives in rocky, mountain streams and brooks. The water of these streams is usually fast moving and has a temperature of 12° - 17°C which is favored by this species. (Barbour and Ernst, 1989; Kirkpatrick, 1995)

Platysternon megacephalum is a very odd-shaped turtle with a huge head and a long tail that are almost the same size as its body. Total body length reachs up to 40 cm. Compared to most turtle species, the head of Platysternon megacephalum is oversized for its body. It's triangular and cannot be withdrawn into its shell. The turtle's skull is solid bone and, unlike most turtles, has no openings in the upper surface. Adults usually have a shell about 15-18 cm in length and it is more flattened than many other freshwater turtles. The carapace is yellow to brown, rectangular with a squared-off front and a more rounded back end, while the plastron is usually yellow. The toes are slightly webbed with strong claws. This species is noted to have legs covered with large scales and a tail that is very long and muscular. If needed, the tail can support the entire weight of the turtle.

There is no marked difference between the male and female, except the plastron of the male has a tendency to be more concave than the female.

The young are more brightly marked than the adults and have more pronounced serrations at the rear of the carapace. Also, the tail is often longer than that of an adult. (Inger and Schmidt, 1957; Kirkpatrick, 1995; McCarthy, 1991)

Platysternon megacephalum is nocturnal. It usually spends the day under a rock or under water. At night, it surfaces to search for food along the stream's bottom, or out of the water along the stream's edge. It is not a good swimmer but is well adapted for walking and climbing on rocks.

If aggravated, it will bite and retain its grip for a long period of time. The use of this animal's strong, hooked jaws can produce very serious injuries. This animal is not known to be aggressive toward other turtles confined with it. (Barbour and Ernst, 1989; Kirkpatrick, 1995)

Platysternon megacephalum is carnivorous. Using its strong beak and jaws, it consumes small marine and terrestrial animals such as fish, mollusks, and worms. It often searchs for food at night along stream bottoms and among low shrubs. (Barbour and Ernst, 1989; Kirkpatrick, 1995)

Platysternon megacephalum has no negative economic importance to humans.

Platysternon megacephalum is a turtle that has been very common in food markets of southern China. This species is marketed by pet traders and is bought as souvenirs by tourists. (Kirkpatrick, 1995)

Platysternon megacephalum is one of several species of Asian turtles that have recently become heavily consumed in China and other Asian countries. Because of this, Platysternon megacephalum is now a rare find and the IUCN classifies it as an endangered species. (Higgins, Tuesday, and October 3, 2000)