The Indian Soft Shell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) – or Ganges softshell turtle – is one of the largest fresh water turtles growing up to a size of 94 cms. Softshells are unique among turtles in that their shells are soft, leathery, and completely devoid of scales. It is called "softshell" because its carapaces (the hard upper shell) lack horny scales. Distinguished by its prominent, tube-like snout and flattened shell, it is a freshwater turtle found mainly in rivers, ponds and lakes. Its long neck and tube-like snout helps it to extend its nose out of the water to breathe. The compressed shell streamlines it, making it a brilliant and fast swimmer. Its feet are webbed and three-clawed, hence the family name "Trionychidae," which means "three-clawed". Softshells are omnivorous and feed on molluscs, insects, fish, amphibians, waterfowl and carrion, as well as aquatic plants.
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