Mexican musk turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican musk turtle |
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| Staurotypus triporcatus | |
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Staurotypus
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triporcatus
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The Mexican musk turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus) is a fascinating reptile. It is also known as the giant musk turtle. This turtle belongs to the Kinosternidae family. You can find these turtles living in parts of Central America and Mexico.
Where Mexican Musk Turtles Live
The Mexican musk turtle lives in several countries. You can find them in Belize and Guatemala. They also live in western Honduras. In Mexico, they are found in many states. These include Campeche, Chiapas, and Oaxaca. They also live in Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.
What Mexican Musk Turtles Look Like
Mexican musk turtles are usually quite large. They are much bigger than other musk turtles. Their top shell, called a carapace, can grow up to 36 centimeters (14 inches) long. Female turtles are typically much larger than males.
These turtles come in different colors. They can be brown, black, or green. Their underside is usually yellow. A cool feature of their shell is that it has three clear ridges. These ridges run all the way along the shell.
What Mexican Musk Turtles Eat
Like other musk turtles, the Mexican musk turtle is a carnivore. This means it eats meat. They enjoy eating many kinds of water creatures. These include different invertebrates, which are animals without backbones. They also eat fish and carrion. Carrion is the meat of dead animals.
