Long-Necked Turtle

Chelodina longicollis

The eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis), also known as the common snake-necked turtle, is a freshwater turtle in the family Chelidae, endemic to eastern Australia. Adults reach about 25 cm carapace length with a neck reaching approximately 60% of the shell length. The carapace is generally dark brown to black, with a broad cream to yellow plastron edged in black. Their remarkably long neck allows them to strike sideways to capture prey. This species occupies a broad range of freshwater habitats at depths of 0-5 meters across eastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales to South Australia, including Tasmania. They are more abundant in shallow, ephemeral wetlands. Long-necked turtles are carnivorous ambush predators feeding on aquatic invertebrates, fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, and carrion. When threatened, they emit a strong-smelling musk from glands on the bridge of the shell, earning them the nickname 'stinker.'