According to media reports on September 21st， a fisherman in Chaozhou， Guangdong， recently netted a creature of significant size and ancient lineage. The animal， weighing an impressive 11 catties (approximately 5.9 kg) and measuring as large as a washbasin， has been identified as a Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Yangtze Swinhoe’s turtle)， a species that has existed for an astonishing 175 million years.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 16th， when a local fisherman discovered the turtle resembling a “big softshell turtle” in his net.
Upon expert examination， it was confirmed that the creature is indeed a Yangtze giant softshell turtle， affectionately known as the “giant panda of the water.” This species is a first-class national protected aquatic wild animal. The specimen measured 45 centimeters in length and 35 centimeters in width， with a healthy weight of 11.8 Chinese catties. Its overall condition was reported to be good.
Experts explain that the Yangtze giant softshell turtle is the largest species among freshwater turtles and tortoises. Its diet primarily consists of crustaceans， mollusks， and fish. These ancient creatures are known to hide underwater during the day and often surface to breathe， while foraging in shallow waters at night.
The presence of such an ancient species is particularly noteworthy. Experts have pointed out that this species is even referenced in one of China’s most famous literary works， “Journey to the West，” where it played the role of the old turtle that ferried Monk Tang and his disciples across the Tuotian River. The fact that this species has survived for 175 million years underscores its remarkable resilience and long evolutionary history.
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle has very stringent habitat requirements. It thrives in environments with clear， clean water and requires sandy areas with a certain expanse for nesting and foraging. Its presence is a strong indicator of the health of its ecosystem.
In the broader context of the aquatic ecosystem of the Pearl River basin and southern China’s river systems， the Yangtze giant softshell turtle plays a crucial ecological role. It is considered an important indicator species for the health of these aquatic environments， reflecting the overall well-being of the biodiversity within them.
Following its discovery and examination， the captured Yangtze giant softshell turtle has been safely transported to a natural reserve section of the river and released back into its habitat.
