Argentine Snake-necked Turtle
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[Photo] Argentine Snake-necked Turtle (Hydromedusa tectifera). 動物界 脊索動物門 爬???綱 カメ目 ヘビクビガメ科 ナンベイヘビクビガメ???. Source: http://opencage.info/pics/large_8102.asp Location: Suma Aqualife Park, Kobe, Japan. Other photos: http://opencage.info/pics/Hydromedusa_tectifera.asp Copyright: OpenCage (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Opencage)

Argentine Snake-necked Turtle, also known as the South American Snake-necked Turtle (Hydromedusa tectifera) is a turtle that is known for its long neck that gave it its name. Despite appearances, the Argentine Snake-necked Turtle is actually more related to the Mata mata (Chelus fimbriatus) than to the Australian Snake-necked Turtles in the genus Chelodina. It is found in northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Not much is known about them, as they have not been extensively researched. They are a popular pet in the exotic pet trade.

Anatomy and morphology
The turtle can reach up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) in length. Its carapace is strongly keeled, and can also be distinguished by black and yellowish markings along its head and neck. Generally, the females are larger than the males, who often have larger tails.

Natural history
Argentine Snake-necked Turtles live in slow-moving ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes, preferably with aquatic vegetation. In coastal areas, they will enter brackish water, and they may hibernate in colder areas of their distribution. The turtles are carnivorous and eat snails, aquatic insects, fish, and amphibians. It attacks its prey with a combination of the Matamata's vacuum suction and the stabbing neck motions of other snake-necked turtles. Courtship and mating has not been extensively observed in this species, although it is known that nesting occurs in the spring at the riverbanks. The eggs are 34x22 mm long, white, and brittle-shelled. Hatchlings are about 34 mm long, and have more wrinkled carapaces than adults.

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