Chelonians are an order of reptiles that are most commonly recognized for their shell. They are among the oldest kinds of reptiles, and include tortoises, turtles, and terrapins. There are about 300 different species of chelonians, and they are divided into twelve families. Those twelve families and their common names are:

                        Kinosternidae               -             Musk Turtles

                        Dermatamydidae         -            Central American River Turtle

                        Carettochelydae           -            Pig Nose Turtle

                        Trionychidae               -            Soft-shelled Turtles

                        Dermochelyidae          -            Leather back Turtle

                        Cheloniidae                 -            Sea Turtles

                        Chelydridae                 -            Snapping Turtles  

                        Platysternidae             -             Big-headed Turtle

                        Emydidae                    -             Pond Turtles

                        Testudinidae                -             Land Tortoises

                        Chelidae                      -             Side-necked Turtles

                        Pelomedusidae            -             Side-necked Turtles