Snapper

About

Common Names

Snapper, Fish Turtle

A large aquatic turtle species known for their clamping bite. Even a small snapper can cause serious injury.

Description

Classification

Reptile

Size

kg ( pounds), 1 metre (3 feet) shell diameter, 1.5 metre (5 feet) long nose to tail.

Appearance

Large rough scaled shells, Flippered forelimbs, followed by two pairs of of legs ending in flat webbed and clawed feet. Medium neck and tail.

Sexual Dimorphism

<--note differences between the sexes-->

Variance

Aside from sub-species variance, females tend to be larger, and have smoother shell ridges.

Ecology

Habitat

Tropical to sub-arctic freshwater rivers, lakes or ponds.,

Diet

Snappers are omnivores eating a variety of green leaves, and aquatic plants, as well they will hunt fish, amphibians, or water birds.

Behaviour

Social Grouping

Solitary

Temperament

Aggressive and territorial.

Intelligence

Animal

Reproduction

Females will seek males in the early spring, laying clutches of about 18 eggs in nests dug in sandy soil. The eggs hatch unattended and the hatchlings make their way back to the nearby waters. About one third of the hatchlings will not survive their first year due to predation.

Notable Sub-Species

Salt Snapper

A saltwater adapted species which lives in open seas and can grow significantly larger than their freshwater cousins. No less territorial these snappers will claim portions of reefs and beds of sea grass for themselves.

Domestication

General

No effort to domesticate these creatures has occurred. They are seen as a threat to fish stocks by fishers and will usually be killed on sight if possible.

Resources

Meat, Shells