Podocnemididae

Taxobox
name = Podocnemididae

---

image_caption = Madagascar Big-headed Turtle ("Erymnochelys madagascariensis")
image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Testudines
subordo = Pleurodira
familia = Podocnemididae

Podocnemididae is a family of turtles native to Madagascar and northern South America. They are side-necked turtles which means they do not retract their heads backwards, but fold it along their side. These turtles are all aquatic, inhabiting streams, and other flowing water. Their shells are streamlined to aid in swimming.

Taxonomy

The Podocnemididae family has been considered as a subfamily (Podocnemidinae) of the Pelomedusidae family. Some authors still maintain this classification.

The family Podocnemididae contains three genera, these are:
*Genus Erymnochelys (Madagascar big-headed turtles)
*Genus Peltocephalus (Big-headed Amazon turtles)
*Genus Podocnemis (South American side-necked river turtles)

References