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.