Chitra indica (Gray 1830) – Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle

Abstract

The narrow-headed softshell turtle, Chitra indica (Family Trionychidae), is an extremely large (total carapace length at least 110 cm), highly aquatic species. It is widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. Fish, frog, crustaceans, and mollusks have been recorded as food, the species exhibiting a highly specialized morphology for ambush-feeding. A large clutch, comprising 65-193 eggs, 26.8 mm in mean diameter and 10.4 g in mean mass, is laid at the height of the monsoons in central India, while nesting in northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal takes place during the low water season. Population sizes are unknown, but the species appears to be threatened by human exploitation and modifications of its riverine habitat.