Characteristics
There are a number of physical traits that distinguish the Burmese peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia formosa) from other turtle species. Unlike other turtles, this one has a flattened and leathery carapace instead of a hard and dome-shaped one. Because of its lightweight and flexible softshell, turtles can glide through the water with more efficiency. The carapace is usually brown or olive in colour with prominent patterns and dots that look like peacock feathers; this gives the shell its common name, "peacock softshell."
Nilssonia formosa is also easily identifiable by its plastron, the underside of its shell. Its colour is often white or pale yellow, much lighter than the carapace. The turtle's camouflage is enhanced by its lighter colouring, which allows it to blend in with the riverbed when seen from below. The turtle's streamlining design, which helps it live its aquatic existence, is enhanced by the comparatively flat plastron.
When comparison to its body size, Nilssonia formosa has a quite huge head. The nose is long and tubular, and the nostrils are prominently placed on the tip of the nose. As a result of this change, turtles can breathe underwater by poking their beaks above water. When trying to stay undetected by predators while maintaining air circulation, this is a lifesaver. Because its eyes are located on top of its head, turtles can see well above water while staying concealed below.
Burmese peacock softshell turtles have excellent swimming abilities due to their limbs. The front and back legs have webbed surfaces, and the long toes act as paddles. An excellent swimmer, the turtle uses its webbing to propel itself powerfully through the water. Turtles sometimes bury themselves in sandy or muddy substrates for concealment and safety, a behaviour made possible by their strong and muscular limbs.
Nilssonia formosa has extra concealment thanks to its smooth, color-matched skin, which blends in with its carapace. Because of its silky surface, turtles have an easier time swimming and navigating through debris and water. The skin is both robust and flexible, making it ideal for the watery environment and protecting the body from sand and debris.
The pointed beak-like jaws are another distinctive physical feature of Nilssonia formosa. The turtle's powerful jaws enable it to feed on a wide range of carnivorous foods, including insects, amphibians, crabs, and fish. Crushing hard-shelled prey is a breeze for this turtle because to its strong jaws. In their early stages of life, juveniles exhibit an omnivorous diet since they may also eat plant material. The ability to adapt one's diet to different environments is a survival skill.
