Fun Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle Facts For Kids

Are you interested in knowing more about species like the map turtle? If yes, then you would surely enjoy reading about the Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum). By the name, you can understand that it's found in India, but the species is also seen in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. You may find the turtle in freshwater habitats like a river, stream, and even a pond. These turtles are widely found in the river Ganga of India and feeds on fish, frogs, earthworms, prawns, and even vegetation of river or other habitats. One of the problems that have arisen with the Nilssonia hurum species, is illegal trade and consumption. Turtles that are kept in captivity are also devoid of their usual food of fish and animal protein and raised only on sugar and rice. So, knowing more Indian peacock softshell turtle facts would help to spread awareness about this endangered species from the Indian subcontinent.

Also, if you like this article, definitely check out the other pieces on Chinese softshell turtles and Florida softshell turtles.

What type of animal is an Indian peacock softshell turtle?

The Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) is a softshell turtle species found in the Indian subcontinent.

What class of animal does an Indian peacock softshell turtle belong to?

Just like other turtles, the Indian peacock softshell turtle belongs to the class Reptilia. And, like the spiny softshell turtle, this species belongs to the family Trionychidae.

How many Indian peacock softshell turtles are there in the world?

We don't know the exact population of this turtle species. However, what is glaringly evident is the illegal trade that takes place in India and Bangladesh. Hence, the turtle is protected under wildlife conservation laws and it's illegal to keep it as a pet or to consume it.

Where does an Indian peacock softshell turtle live?

The Indian peacock softshell turtle lives in the Indian subcontinent. So, the species is native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It's also assumed that the turtles are found as far as Myanmar because of the similar species present in the wildlife of the country. In India, turtles are especially found in the north and central sections of the country. The species is usually evident in the river Ganga, one of the most important freshwater rivers of India. In other places, the turtles are mainly seen in eastern Pakistan and southern Nepal. In Bangladesh, it's found in the Brahmaputra River.

What is an Indian peacock softshell turtle's habitat?

The Indian peacock softshell turtles mainly dwell in inland freshwater habitat choices like rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and even in freshwater reservoirs. This species especially enjoys freshwater habitat options like rivers or lakes with sand or mud bottoms as they are easy to dig.

Who do Indian peacock softshell turtles live with?

Most turtles are solitary animals, so this species isn't likely to have a different social interaction except the breeding season. However, in the wildlife, if you are near a similar freshwater habitat where this species can dwell, you are most likely to find a small group of turtles basking in the sun.

How long does an Indian peacock softshell turtle live?

We don't know the exact lifespan of the Nilssonia hurum species. However, softshell turtles have been known to live for up to 50 years in the wild.

How do they reproduce?

The Indian peacock softshell turtles are oviparous in nature. So, females are known for laying eggs during the breeding season, and the female of this species can lay 20-30 eggs near rivers or other habitats. The courtship of these turtles is said to take place underwater, and eggs are laid between the months of August-November. However, the eggs hatch during next year's monsoon season, in June or July. Baby turtles of this species are known for eating mosquito larvae and fish.

What is their conservation status?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the Indian peacock softshell turtles under the status of Endangered. It's protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

What do Indian peacock softshell turtles look like?

When it comes to the appearance of this turtle it's quite simple. The name comes from peacock feather-like patterns that may be present on the shell. Other than that, the turtle is known to have a large head and an upturned snout. This is why they are called softshell turtles. The carapace or shell is low and oval and usually has olive or dark green color. Many turtles have a distinct yellow rim. While the head and limb of this turtle also have an olive green color, and distinct reticulations can be seen on the forehead. Another way to identify the species is by looking for yellow or orange patches present behind its eye.

How cute are they?

Just like other turtle species, this is also an adorable turtle, especially because of its smoothed-back look.

How do they communicate?

We don't really have much information about communication in this species, but turtles most likely use a lot of tactile sensation. The species also seems to have keen noses.

How big is an Indian peacock softshell turtle?

The average length of the shell of a Nilssonia hurum is around 23.6 in (60 cm). In comparison, the painted turtle has a length of around 4-10 in (10–25 cm).

How fast can an Indian peacock softshell turtle move?

As you may know, turtles aren't are fast species. Even though we don't know any Indian peacock softshell turtle information about its fastness, the softshell turtles usually have a speed of about 3 mph (4.8 kph).

How much does an Indian peacock softshell turtle weigh?

We aren't aware of the exact weight of this species.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names for the male and female of this species. Males have a thicker tail compared to females.

What would you call a baby Indian peacock softshell turtle?

The baby of these turtles can simply be called hatchlings.

What do they eat?

These turtles are said to be omnivorous as they will sometimes feed on plant matters, but the common foods include fish, frogs, earthworms, snails, prawns, and even carrion. When kept in captivity in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, the turtles are often fed with rice and sugar to fatten up the animal.

Are they poisonous?

Not at all. These softshell turtles aren't poisonous or dangerous.

Would they make a good pet?

No, it's a protected species, so it would be illegal to keep this turtle as a pet.

Did you know...

The population of this species in India is declining due to the reduction of fish in the river Ganga.

The softshell turtles are distinguished by a flattened shell that lacks major scales or epidermal scutes that are usually found in other turtle species. This also gives the shells a less bony structure. There are about 30 species of softshell turtles in the family Trionychidae.

Do softshell turtles hibernate?

Yes, there are softshell turtles that hibernate, but the Indian peacock softshell turtle belongs to tropical countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, so it most likely doesn't hibernate. And, even the softshell turtle species that do hibernate often need to get their nose out to take in oxygen.

Buying and eating softshell turtles

Buying and eating softshell turtles, like the Indian peacock softshell turtle, is strictly restricted in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. It is an endangered species under the conservation status, but it is protected as a Schedule I animal. Hence, if someone is found poaching these turtles they can be heavily penalized or face jail. The turtles are often illegally sold for their meat, as pets, and also for the outer cartilaginous rim present in their shell. It is not known how much it is worth.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Texas alligator lizard facts and mud snake facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable flying turtle coloring pages.

**We've been unable to source an image of an Indian peacock seashell turtle and have used an image of a green sea turtle instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of an Indian peacock seashell turtle, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].