All printables
Mary River Turtle — printable fact sheet
Free to print or save as PDF. Great for classrooms, homeschooling, and young explorers.
Creature Atlas
Animal Fact Sheet
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Mary River Turtle
Elusor macrurus
The Mary River Turtle is a unique freshwater turtle native exclusively to the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. It is instantly recognizable due to its elongated tail, which can be as long as two-thirds of its shell length, and its ability to grow tufts of green algae on its …
Did you know?
- The Mary River Turtle was only scientifically described in 1994, despite being kept as a pet for decades prior, and is the sole species in its genus.
- The Mary River Turtle can breathe underwater using specialized cloacal bursae, effectively 'extracting' oxygen from water. Juveniles are famous for growing vivid green algae on their heads, sometimes earning them the nickname 'punk turtle.' Their long tails are among the longest of any turtle species relative to body size.
What I learned
Draw the mary river turtle
© Creature Atlas · www.creatureatlas.com · Free for classroom & personal use
Want the whole set?
Get printable fact-sheet packs, coloring pages, and classroom worksheet bundles for dozens of animals — ready to download and print.
Browse printable packsGet a free printable each week
Join the newsletter for a new Creature of the Week + printables.