Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle
Podocnemis unifilis
Where at Shedd?
Amazon Rising
| Diet | Fruits, seeds and plant matter |
|---|---|
| Size | Female shell length: Up to 18 inches (45 cm) Male shell length: Up to 13 inches (33 cm) |
| Type | Reptiles |
| Range | Caribbean Sea drainages, rivers, tributaries, lagoons and flooded forests in Northern South America |
| Habitat | Large rivers and tributaries, adjacent lagoons and flooded forests; semi-aquatic |
Did you know?
- Unlike their cousin the giant river turtle, these turtles don’t gather when to nest. Instead, single females seek a beach to nest on alone.
- These turtles can sniff out food, even under water.
- Females are larger than the males but have shorter tails. Males have more prominent yellow spots on their heads.