Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) (origin: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 25–40 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Indian flapshell turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×60 cm aquarium.
Indian flapshell turtle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 33 °C (basking spot), at night 21–24 °C.
Indian flapshell turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).
Indian flapshell turtle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 25–40 years.
Indian flapshell turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C (basking spot)
- Humidity
- Aquatic
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×60 cm aquarium
- Substrate
- Water 25–40 cm deep, fine sand for burying, a basking spot
Feeding
- Food
- Fish, snails, insects, a few water plants
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 25–40 years
- Origin
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Protection status
- CITES II; export from India is prohibited
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is least stressful, as the species is considered bitey and defensive. Anyone wanting to keep several should put one male with several females in a large tank with retreats, separating animals if needed.
Notes
It can partly close its plastron – unusual for a softshell turtle. Fine sand with no sharp edges is essential, or the soft shell is quickly injured.
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Related species
- Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) – Intermediate
- Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) – Expert
- Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica) – Expert
- Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) – Expert
- African softshell turtle (Trionyx triunguis) – Expert
- Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) – Expert
- Asiatic softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea) – Expert
- Wattle-necked softshell turtle (Palea steindachneri) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×60 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 25–40 cm deep, fine sand for burying, a basking spot), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_flapshell_turtle, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lissemys&species=punctata
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).