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Posted by Batagur on December 31, 2002 at 16:16:44:
In Reply to: Red underside - Softshell posted by kickenken on December 31, 2002 at 13:28:42:
Chinese softshells usually have a pale underside, sometimes with dark blotchy markings. However, this species is heavily farmed in Asia (probably second in numbers to the red-eared slider worldwide). As a result you can often find color morphs with many individuals. If it was imported from singapore, you probably more than likely have Pelodiscus sinensis. I would also consider the possibility of it being Palea steindachneri (wattle-neck softshell), Dogania subplana (malaysian softshell), or Amyda cartilaginea (giant asian softshell or black-rayed softshell).
If you do a google image search (www.google.com and click on images), type in Pelodiscus sinensis and you will see lots of pictures of the chinese softshell, juveniles and adults with plastron views.
You might also want to consider that the reddish or pink coloration your seeing is diet induced. I don't know the history of this animal but the fish farms in singapore that distribute these animals usually hold them in very large numbers in crowded conditions and feed them fish chow. I've seen sickly looking pig-nosed turtles in Singapore and elsewhere with very pink-red plastrons (they should be a creamy white) and have wondered what the cause may be.
Anyway, hope this helps.
