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DonateScientific Name: Chelus fimbriata
Found In: South America/Tropical river systems, particularly ox-bow lakes, ponds, and creeks that are slow-moving with soft, muddy bottoms
Size: The carapace (top shell) of adults averages at 1.5 feet in length and 33 pounds
Diet: Carnivore. Diet consists of fish and aquatic invertebrates
Threat Level: Least Concern. The exotic pet trade is the major threat to this species
Facts: The skin flaps and other protusions on the head of this species aid in detecting vibrations in the water to catch prey and avoid predators.
