Species Details

@James F. Parham

Crowned River Turtle Did you see this animal?

Scientific Name : Hardella thurjii
Family : Geoemydidae
Order : Testudines
Class : Reptilia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Brahminy River Turtle
Habitat : Entirely aquatic; inhibits slow moving rivers, marshes, estuaries and large waterbodies.
 
Description : The shell of Hardella thurjii can grow up to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) in length.

The shell is elongated, slightly curved, and thin, with concentric ridges and greenish-brown coloration.
It is a freshwater species and is usually found in rivers, streams, and other freshwater bodies with sand or gravel bottoms.

This mussel is a filter feeder and mainly feeds on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other microscopic organisms.

It is a dioecious species, meaning there are separate male and female individuals. They reproduce by releasing their gametes into the water, where fertilization occurs.

This species is considered to be critically endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overharvesting for their shells and pearls. The population of Hardella thurjii is declining rapidly, and there are ongoing conservation efforts to save this species from extinction.

As a filter feeder, it plays an important role in maintaining the water quality of its habitat by removing harmful microscopic organisms from the water column. Additionally, their shells provide habitat for other aquatic organisms.
 
Distribution in Bangladesh
References:
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source: Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 25 ( Amphibians and Reptiles). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh,photo credit:James F. Parham(www.inaturalist.org/people/James F. Parham), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.