Pelodiscus shipian

Pelodiscus shipian is the second smallest extant turtle species (second only to Kinosternon vogti), with an adult carapace length of 8–10 centimetres (3.1–3.9 in). Pelodiscus shipian can be confused with the other species of the Pelodiscus axenaria complex, especially with Pelodiscus axenaria. The carapace color of Pelodiscus shipian is typically olive clay with greenish-black marbling. The carapace is distinctly keeled, and the entoplastron is boomerang-shaped. The plastron is yellowish-white and has no markings except for the dark patches near the armpits.

Like all species of the Pelodiscus axenaria complex, Pelodiscus shipian is endemic to China. The type locality is in Fengxin County, Jiangxi Province. Other genetically verified records exist from the neighboring Hunan Province. However, the exact distribution range of the species is still unknown. Both Pelodiscus shipian and Pelodiscus axenaria are confirmed to be present in Hunan, and they may be sympatric. Pelodiscus shipian has a strict habitat preference. It only lives in parts of rivers that have sandy bottoms and clear water that is rich in oxygen. It's also highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance.

In Fengxin County, the local name for Pelodiscus shipian is shi pian bie (石片鱉), meaning "stone slab soft-shelled turtle". The name refers to the turtle looking like a flat stone. The species epithet shipian is derived from the first part of the local Chinese name, shi pian (石片), meaning "slab". The describers of Pelodiscus shipian suggested an English name for the turtle, Chinese stone slab soft-shelled turtle.