The common snake-necked turtle gets its name from its extremely long neck, which, in some cases, can be as long as its shell. It’s also a type of side-necked turtle, meaning that it bends its head sideways into its shell rather than pulling it directly back. The snake-necked has powerful webbed feet for swimming, digging, and tearing apart prey. They are typically found inland in slow-moving freshwater habitats such as Australia's swamps, dams, and lakes, preferring a soft, sandy bottom.