Chinese Big Headed Turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) are one of the world's most unique looking, rarest and coolest of all turtle species. Big Headed turtles have been the inspiration for Japanese giant monster movies for over half a century (Gamera). Big Headed Turtles are essentially the Asian equivalent of snapping turtles - that stay small, only about 7 inches long...
Big Headed Turtles live along the bottoms of cool, rocky mountain steams and rivers where they forage for food mostly at night. They are excellent climbers and will come out of the water in search of food. Famous for their giant heads, flat shells and very long tails, Chinese Big Headed Turtles are seriously threatened throughout their vast range: Much of China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
Their heads are so big that they can not be retracted into their shells for protection. Their ferocious bite is legendary - but only defensive, or used when eating; still caution must be used when handling them...
Females lay only 1 or 2 eggs at a time. Looking at them behind the glass, you can't help but appreciate the prehistoric look & actually gentle behavior of them (except when feeding).
Just a few US breeders hatch big heads - so move quickly when they are available...