(Cantor's Giant Soft-Shelled Turtle) - This super pancake looking turtle can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh 100lbs!

 

The Asian giant softshell turtle, Pelochelys cantorii (Family Trionychidae), is a large freshwater species which can reach 60–100 cm in total carapace length. It occurs in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, seacoasts, and occasionally in coastal marine waters. The species is widespread, occurring from peninsular India to China and Southeast Asia.

However, further study may identify other species within this enormous territory, especially from the Philippines. Aquatic organisms are consumed, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs, in addition to plant matter. Clutch size is 24 to 70 eggs. Nesting sites include riverbanks as well as seacoasts. Exploitation of its flesh for food, suspected killing by anglers and fishermen after getting entangled in fishing gear, and destruction of riverine and coastal habitats are factors in its depletion.

Newly hatched photos:

Feeding the Pelochelys Cantorii: