Green Haired Mary River Turtle

The Mary River turtle is also commonly called the green-haired turtle and the punk turtle, due to the algae that grows on its head or shell. Elusor is a monotypic genus representing a very old lineage of turtles that has all but disappeared from the evolutionary history of Australia. Why it's awesome: This turtle has a distinctive, punk-like appearance, thanks to green algae growing from its head and body that helps it hide from predators in its aquatic home.

It also has... There are many different types of turtles in the world, but almost none are as unique and specialized as the Mary River turtle. They feature barbs on their faces and have tufts of green, hair-like algae on their limbs.

One of the most distinctive feature of the Mary River turtle is its shock of green hair and whiskers. These are nothing but sprouts of algae that grow over its head and shell. These evolutionary wonders are also known as the punk turtle and the green-haired turtle, on account of the algae that often grows on their heads and are one of Australias largest turtles.

The Mary River turtle is sometimes informally referred to as the Green haired turtle due to the fact that many specimens are covered with growing strands of algae that resemble hair. Another reason this turtle has gone viral in recent years is its green-haired appearance. Algae often grow on its head and shell, forming wild, spiky patterns that resemble a punk-rock mohawk.

This is more than just an aesthetic featureits a result of the turtles aquatic lifestyle. Ever heard of a turtle with green hair and the ability to breathe through its bum? Dive into the fascinating world of the Mary River Turtle. Learn about its unique biology, why it's critically endangered, where you can see it, and what's being done to save this remarkable Australian reptile.

The Elusor macrurus, commonly known as the Mary River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to Australia. This unique turtle is known for its algae-covered head and distinctive long tail, setting it apart from other turtle species. It's actually algae growing on the turtle's head and shell! These turtles spend so much time underwater that algae takes root and flourishes, creating natural green streaks that look remarkably like a punk rock hairdo.

But the cool factor doesn't stop there.