Description
Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
The Fly River Turtle, also known as the Pig-Nosed Turtle, is one of the most unusual and sought-after aquatic turtles in the world. Instantly recognisable by its flipper-like limbs and distinctive pig-like snout, this fully aquatic species combines the appearance of a sea turtle with the behaviour of a freshwater turtle. Active, intelligent, and highly unique, it makes an incredible centrepiece for large aquatic setups.
Habitat
Native to the rivers and lagoons of Northern Australia and New Guinea, Fly River Turtles require a spacious, warm aquatic environment with excellent water quality.
- Enclosure: Very large aquarium or indoor pond with extensive swimming space
- Water Temperature: 26–30°C
- Basking: Rarely leaves the water but benefits from access to resting platforms
- Lighting: UVB lighting recommended for indoor enclosures
- Humidity: Naturally maintained through the aquatic environment
- Decor: Open swimming areas, driftwood, smooth rocks, and gentle flow areas
Feeding
Fly River Turtles are omnivorous and require a varied diet to remain healthy.
- Diet: Turtle pellets, aquatic plants, fruits, shrimp, insects, fish, snails, and crustaceans
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Feeding frequency:
- Juveniles: Daily
- Adults: 3–5 times per week
- Strong filtration is essential due to their messy feeding habits
General Care
This species grows large and requires experienced care, particularly regarding water quality and enclosure size.
- Temperament: Active, alert, and generally peaceful
- Handling: Minimal handling recommended to reduce stress
- Lifespan: 30–40+ years with proper care
- Maintenance: Excellent filtration, regular water changes, and stable temperatures are critical
Why Choose a Fly River Turtle?
- Unique pig-like nose and flipper-style limbs
- Fully aquatic and highly active species
- Rare and highly desirable among turtle enthusiasts
- Incredible display animal for large aquatic systems
The Fly River Turtle is a truly extraordinary reptile, perfect for experienced keepers looking for a rare, intelligent, and visually stunning aquatic species.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery from £15 - £30
- Range 0-25 miles from store
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DX Express: 1 working day, same-day dispatch before noon 0-75kg
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days 75-500kg
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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