Indian Roofed Turtle

The Indian roofed turtle is a freshwater turtle that can be distinguished by the distinct roof at the top of the shell. The arched, elliptical carapace is up to 23cm, brown and sometimes bordered with yellow or orange, with a red to orange stripe down the middle. The plastron is orange or red with black spots, or brown with a yellowish border to each shield (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found in the major rivers of South Asia, in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal, and is a common pet in the subcontinent. Nesting has been reported in October, December, January and February, with a nest cavity usually 14 to 20cm deep, and clutches of three to 14 elongated eggs. Young have some black spots on the carapace and a more angulated plastron than adults.