Eastern Long-Necked Turtle - Neck Length: Approx. 0.6 ft. (0.18 m)

The Eastern Long-Necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) is an east Australian species of snake-necked turtle that inhabits a wide variety of water bodies and is an opportunistic feeder. They’re carnivorous animals feeding on small fishes, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and warms. These turtles can be found in freshwater environments of south-eastern Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

These aquatic creatures, who live true to their name, have the longest necks of any group of turtles still living today. In actuality, their neck is around 60% longer than the length of their carapace (shell). Males typically have shorter necks than females do. These turtles' lengthy necks prevent them from pulling their heads all the way inside their shells. Instead, they tuck their heads into their carapace while twisting their necks. The lengthy necks of the eastern snake-necked turtles enable them to approach their prey before snatching it up.