Juvenile photographed in a shallow forest stream, Singapore.

Family : TRIONYCHIDAE
Species : Dogania subplana
Maximum Carapace Length : 35 cm

References : H1, H2, H3

The Forest Soft-shell Turtle is an elusive species of clear, fast-flowing streams and quiet muddy backwaters. Lying partly submerged in the substrate, the distinctive patterning helps in its camouflage. However, the pairs of eyespots or ocelli on the carapace tend to stand out.

The neck is long : the upper surface bears longitudinal stripes and the underside is orange in colour. The head is relatively large and the nose tubular in shape, contributing to its charming appearance. The forefeet are greenish.

The species ranges from Burma, Thailand,  Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Borneo, Sumatra, the Natuna Islands, Java and the Philippines.

Close-ups of the distinctive colouration and patterning of the head and neck region.