Pig nose turtles are truly one of a kind among freshwater turtles. Where one would normally find webbed feet, these turtles have adapted flippers to help them traverse gracefully in large bodies of water. Another distinguishing trait is its long & fleshy nostrils which resembles that of a pig’s nose, giving this species of turtle its very apt name. 

Alligator Snapping Turtles are the dragons of the deep which originate from the south-eastern waters of the United States. It shares its name with the alligator due to the ferocious power in its beaklike jaws as well as its ridged spiky exterior which encompasses its entire carapace.  Their dark solid appearance additionally lends itself to being a master of camouflage in the deep murky waters it resides in. It has a unique worm-like appendage in its tongue which draws curious fish looking for a quick meal only to be snapped by the jaws of this prehistoric dinosaur. 

The American Snapping Turtle or Common Snapping turtle are highly aggressive reptiles most noted for its combative disposition with its razor sharp beak – like jaws which it uses to tear the flesh off its prey in conjunction with its highly mobile serpentine like head.  They are native to North America and live in lakes & streams where there are abundant amounts of fish for it to hunt. 

Alternatively known as the Amboina box turtle, they are endemic to Southeast Asia. They are distinguished by the yellow lines which run past the side of their faces & the ability to withdraw its limbs & head completely into its box like shell when frightened. They are omnivorous semi-aquatic reptiles who are popular in the exotic pet trade & are one of the only few species of reptiles for sale as pets in Singapore, albeit available rarely. 

The Red Eared Slider is one of the most common pets in the world. They get their name from the striking red stripe which runs along its ears & its signature ability of being able to effortlessly slide off logs & rocks which they bask on into the water.

Asian Soft – Shell Turtles are a large species of freshwater turtles native to Southeast Asia which inhabit lowland streams deep within forested areas. They have a leathery carapace which is flat & round with a coloration which mimics that of a soft olive green that blends in with the muddy streams in which they inhabit.

The Mata Mata turtle are large South American freshwater turtles native to the Amazon & Orinoco Basin. Their fascinating appearance is highlighted by its unique physical characteristics such as its triangular flattened head as well as its long & tubular snout. 

Also known as the Branderhorst's Snapping Turtle, this turtle is native to the west Papua Indonesia and the western province of Papua New Guinea. They are sometimes confused with other species of snapping turtles native to the same region, but who can blame them when they look so alike! They are excellent swimmers with a sharp jaw and sharp nails to help them to catch fish and other prey easily.

Endemic to Southeast Asia, the Black Marsh Turtle is petite in size when compared to their larger relatives and distinguished by their largely black appearance which envelopes its shell & skin. Alternatively known as the “Smiling Terrapin” due to the nature of its facial structure, this turtle is carnivorous & spends its time foraging in the shallow streams where it hunts. 

A South American species characterized by the radiant yellow spots it adorns on its head, the Yellow Spotted Amazon turtle is one of the largest South American river turtles. The yellow spots are most prominent in juvenile specimens, with females eventually losing the distinct markings as they age. Males on the other hand retain these spots long into adulthood. 

The Painted Turtle is indigenous to North America, and is also the most widespread native turtle in the region. They are also part of the Chrysemys family of turtles, which makes them very close relatives to the Red Ear Slider. They are very common pets in North America, and because they can adapt to human environments, they have also survived the loss of their natural habitats in some areas and have adapted to live amongst humans.

This turtle, or also known as the Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle, is a unique one. They are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea, and they got the name side-necked turtle because they are actually incapable of retracting their necks like most turtles do. They can only "fold" them to the side, to protect their heads and necks under their shell.

An aquatic turtle dwelling within freshwater bodies in South Asia, this turtle got its name from the shape and folding/flap characteristics of its plastron. It is able to close the plastron after retracting its limbs into its body. This is similar to the box turtles, which are also able to close up its plastron to protect itself. Scientists are still arguing over what protection this offers to the turtle though, because as a soft shelled turtle, closing its plastron might not provide as much protection as those of the box turtles.

The Malaysian giant river turtle is the largest freshwater turtle endemic to Southeast Asia. They are a semi- aquatic species which has been heavily exploited for its meat causing rapid diminishment of local populations. They are believed to be omnivorous reptiles who feed on aquatic vegetation as well as carrion. 

Inhabiting rivers, streams & marshes throughout Southeast Asia, the Giant Asian pond turtle has a predominantly brown to black coloration highlighted by pale yellow streaks which run along the centre of its large carapace. One of the largest  semi-aquatic Asian turtles, these reptiles have muscular strong limbs & webbed toes which adapt it very well to both swimming as well as traversal on land. 

The False Map Turtle has distinct L-shaped lines on the top of its head, just behind its eyes. Endemic to USA, the turtle is a common pet species and can also be commonly found in the central states along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems. This unique turtle is also sometimes called the Sawback Turtle because of the jagged row of low spins that can be found near its rear that resembles a saw.

Medium sized semi aquatic freshwater turtles, the Mississippi Map Turtle is the subspecies of the False Map Turtle and are most prominent for the linings on their carapace which resemble the contour lines of a map, and a distinct crescent shape moon on the top of their heads. The Mississippi Map turtle are native to North America & widely spotted in the Mississippi River. Another distinguishing feature is their keeled, serrated carapace which smoothens out as the turtle ages. 

The Reeves or Chinese pond turtle have three distinguishing ridges which run down its typically tan to dark brown carapace. Its skin, while usually a murky green coupled with yellowish blemishes & stripes, run along the sides of its face down its neck. They are native to Asia & inhabit lakes, ponds & small streams. 

With its serpentine neck & broad oval shaped shell, the Broad Shelled Snake Necked turtle is remarkably unique among its turtle cousins. Endemic to South – Eastern Australia, these turtles can tuck its neck & head under the edge of its carapace as a defensive posture. With a relatively flattened appearance & clawed, webbed feet adapted to swimming in freshwater bodies, these snake necked turtles are ambush predators who will lunge at prey with their long necks, a strategy highly adapted to its deceptive hunting nature.

The spotted pond turtle is dark, freshwater turtle which is predominantly black in coloration coupled with yellow/white spotty blemishes which are adorned throughout its head & carapace. This contrasting appearance of black on yellow/white makes them incredibly beautiful with hatchlings having brighter coloration which dulls as it ages. 

Their long neck resembles a snake, which is where they get their name from. New Guinea Snake turtles are found in north-eastern Australia, Indonesia & Papua New Guinea inhabiting freshwater locales where their dark exterior helps them blend with their dark & murky surroundings of the rivers they inhabit.