Stupendemys
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Extinct (fossil)
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Stupendemys is an extinct genus of fresh water turtle from the Pliocene period.
With a length of 2 m (6 ft 8 in) it was the largest fresh water turtle that ever existed, and also the largest pleurodire ever. The largest fresh water turtle living today is Podocnemis expansa, which measures only 75 cm (2 ft 6 in). Stupendemys's carapace measured over 1,80 m (6 ft) in length and was also very wide. Its weight helped the animal stay under water for extended periods of time, grazing on aquatic plants.
Stupendemys's closest living relatives are the helmeted turtles.
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