Macrochelys temminckii

Alligator Snapping Turtle

A motionless shape underwater may be waiting for a meal.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Expert care

Habitat Land & water

Visiting Observe only

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Patient Ambush Hunter

Aquatic; often waits to ambush prey

Species highlights

A tiny lure on the tongue

A worm-like tongue structure can draw prey toward an open mouth. What looks like a small animal is part of the turtle itself, helping an ambush rather than a long chase.

The lure is one ability, not the entire diet or every feeding event. Age, location and opportunity also matter.

Observing its position in the resting animal connects attention and predation underwater without testing reactions with fingers or food.

Feature sources:

Smithsonian National Zoo · Alligator snapping turtle

At a glance

The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) inhabits North American freshwater systems including the Mississippi drainage. A rugged shell, long tail and large head form a distinctive outline. Remaining still near bottom cover can also be part of waiting for prey to come within reach.

Bottom cover, resting supports and access to air form its usable habitat. Slow body movement does not imply a slow head, and prey opportunities extend beyond one lure encounter.

Females leave water to nest, and young use a different scale of supports and prey. Distinguishing related Macrochelys ranges also matters. Respiration, waiting, feeding and nesting complete the ambush portrait.

Common names Alligator Snapping Turtle; Macrochelys temminckii

Scientific name Macrochelys temminckii

Native rangeMississippi drainage and neighbouring systems in the USA; ranges of other Macrochelys species are not automatically included

Adult sizeLarge males can exceed 60 cm shell length

ActivityAquatic; often waits to ambush prey

Diet Experienced staff should plan varied suitable animal foods and a complete aquatic-turtle diet. Avoid reliance on one fish species, muscle meat or organs, and remove leftovers promptly.

Habitat & care

Provide a large, strong aquatic enclosure with effective filtration, suitable depth and secure support structures. Experienced staff should manage maintenance.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureWater 24–27°C Air about 27–29°C; basking area about 31–33°C. Measure each separately and guard water heaters.

HumidityWater & platform No single air RH target; provide robust filtration, secure shelter and an out-of-water platform, with water-quality records.

LightingUVB & shade Choose UVB intensity and distance for the species, with a fully shaded retreat.

SpaceAbout 3000 L Adults need pond-scale housing. Example: 300×200×100cm tank, about 3000L at 50cm depth; enlarge for body size and ensure easy breathing and supported rest.

Look a little closer

Find the three shell ridges, then compare the large head, neck and long tail. If the mouth is naturally open, locate the worm-like tongue lure and watch for movement. While it rests on the bottom, inspect limb contacts and head direction.

Care note: Keep hands and objects away from its head; handling is for trained staff.

About this profile

Size ranges are reference values; sex, origin and age affect appearance.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (4)

Photo: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alligator_Snapping_Turtle_(Macrochelys_temminckii),_aquarium_display_(2011).jpg CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.