Brazilian Snake-necked Turtle

The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is a small species reaching a straight carapace length of between 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) with a weight of 120–520 g (4.2–18.3 oz). The carapace of the adult is oval in shape varying in color from dark gray, through to dark or light brown. The plastron is a yellow or cream color. The species has a moderate-sized head with a small snout and yellowish jaws, with no barbels on the chin. The iris is black. The dorsal surface of the head, neck and limbs are olive green to gray in color with a lighter cream-colored ventral surface.

The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is native to southeastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The distribution is associated with the mountainous Atlantic rainforest. As a generalization it is found in mountain streams above 600 m (2,000 ft). The species is found in shallow streams from 15 to 100 cm (6–39 in) in depth, with clear, cold water and sandy or rocky substrates. Because of the dense canopy and closed understory of the forests the streams receive little sunlight making basking only possible in gaps along the stream.

Hydromedusa maximiliani is oviparous, depositing eggs at terrestrial nesting sites.

The specific name, maximiliani, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.