Wildlifeof Thailand
Big-headed Turtle
Platysternidae
Photo: Totti · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Platysternon megacephalum
Basic stats
Diet
Molluscs, crustaceans, fish and other aquatic animals
Habitat
Cool rocky mountain streams
Range
Southern China and mainland Southeast Asia
The big-headed turtle has an enormous head that cannot be withdrawn into its relatively flat shell, a hooked beak and a long muscular tail. It inhabits cool rocky mountain streams and climbs effectively over rocks using strong claws and tail support. Mostly nocturnal, it takes molluscs, crustaceans, fish and other aquatic animals (Wikipedia, general species account). It is Nationally Endangered (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Big-headed Turtle eat?
- Molluscs, crustaceans, fish and other aquatic animals
- What habitat does the Big-headed Turtle live in?
- Cool rocky mountain streams
- Where is the Big-headed Turtle found?
- Southern China and mainland Southeast Asia