Externally indistinguisable from Hieremys annandalii, Annandale's Turtle [Grzimek]. Anatomically it is interesting because of the lungs, which are enclosed in bony capsules formed by internal outgrowths of the shell. This protects the respiratory organs from high water pressure during deep dives. The species is in fact an excellent swimmer and diver and rarely leaves the water.
Regrettably there seems to be little available in English on this species as regards husbandry, although a fair amount in the German language. Müller has husbandry notes. Nevertheless it would seem that a large aquarium would be needed even for a single adult female.
| Species Name | Common Name | Location | Size | Notes |
| Melanochelys | ||||
| H. thurjii | Brahminy River Turtle/ Crowned River Turtle [D:
|
N India, Pakistan, Bangladesh | 50cm (f.): 17cm (m).
|
Widely distributed throughout its range. Preferred waters are slow-moving and stagnant. Mainly if not exclusively herbivorous: writers all seem to note its apparently inexhaustible appetite. Carapace: somewhat flattened; median keel somewhat disjointed and and forms a projection at the posterior end of each vertebral shield [Daniel]; 4th vertebral shield not longer than wide. Other: digits fully webbed; short tail. Coloration: carapace dark brown with keel and first three costals black; plastron yellow with large black mark on each shield; head brown with 4 orange-yellow bands (see Daniel for details); limbs brown with yellow margins. Reproduction: multiple clutches of up to 100 eggs. [SOURCE: Daniel] |
| H. t. thurjii | Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems | |||
| H. t. indi | Indus river system | |||
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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