

Adult found at the margin of Upper Peirce Reservoir, Singapore.
Family : GEOEMYDIDAE
Species : Siebenrockiella crassicollis
Maximum Carapace Length : 20 cm
References : H1, H2, H3 |
Also charmingly known as
the 'Smiling Terrapin', on account of the upwardly curved jaw line, this
secretive species inhabits the vegetated shallow margins of quiet
streams, canals, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Reaching just 20 cm in
size, this is one of the region's smallest terrapins.
The domed carapace and plastron are black. The limbs and head are dark brown
to black, the latter adorned with pale yellow to white patches above the
eye, near the cheek, beneath the lower jaw and at the side of the head.
The species feeds on frogs, freshwater prawns, worms and snails, as well as
carrion.
The Black Marsh Terrapin ranges from Burma, Thailand and Indochina through
Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Borneo, Sumatra and Java. Feral
introduced populations may occur in some areas.
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