Pelochelys is a genus of very large softshell turtles in the family Trionychidae. They are found from peninsular India northeast to southern China, and south to Southeast Asia and New Guinea.
Pelochelys | |
---|---|
Pelochelys cantorii | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Cryptodira |
Family: | Trionychidae |
Subfamily: | Trionychinae |
Genus: | Pelochelys Gray, 1864[1][2] |
Synonyms[2] | |
Pelochlys Zhao, 1997 (ex errore) |
The species in this genus, while still being freshwater turtles as with all Trionychidae, are unique for having significant salt tolerance and regularly entering near-coastal marine habitats.[3]
These three species are recognized as being valid:[4]
Nota bene: In the above list, a binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Pelochelys.