Added 16 January 2005.

Geoclemys

Spotted Black Terrapin

Introduction

This is a beautiful but rare species now protected under CITES I. For this reason the ordinary reptile hobbyist is unlikely to see it, although I believe that some limited captive breeding has been achieved.

Species Name Common Name Location Size Notes
Geoclemys
G. hamiltonii Spotted Black Terrapin, Black Pond Terrapin [D: Dreikielschildkröte] S Pakistan, N India (Assam, W Bengal, Gangetic Plains, Punjab, Jammu and Rajasthan), Bangladesh 31cm. G. hamiltonii is found in river inlets, slow flowing waters, streams and marshy areas, and also rice fields. It is diurnal. Diet is mainly carnivorous (apparently snails are favoured) but fruit is also taken. Carapace: 3 well-defined keels which can be seen even in old age. Plastron: nearly as long as carapace, deeply notched at the back. Scalation: ??. Coloration: carapace is black with yellow streaks and spots. Plastron is brownish with light patches. The heads and limbs are brown or black and spotted with yellow, the largest spots occurring on the head. Reproduction: 13-24 eggs are laid.   

Biography

The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians, J C Daniel, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002.

Schildkröten, Gerhard Müller, Eugen Ullmer, Stuttgart 1995.

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