razor backed musk turtle tortoise sternotherus carinatus

navigate by keyword : animal reptile turtle amphibian lizard wildlife tortoise fish snake frog serpent crocodile razor backed musk sternotherus carinatus species family kinosternidae native southern united states grows straight carapace length brown colored black markings edges scute distinct sharp keel center giving common name body typically grey color spotting head bulbous shape long neck short legs beak males distinguished females longer tails plastron small hinge located anteriorly gular barbels present chin

Razor-backed musk turtle, Sternotherus carinatus Royalty Free Stock Photo

The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) isolated on white background Royalty Free Stock Photo

razor backed musk turtle tortoise sternotherus carinatus

The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is a species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is native to the southern United States. The razor-backed musk turtle grows to a straight carapace length of about 15 cm (5.9 in). It has a brown-colored carapace, with black markings at the edges of each scute. The carapace has a distinct, sharp keel down the center of its length, giving the species its common name.The body is typically grey-brown in color, with black spotting, as is the head, which tends to have a bulbous shape to it. It has a long neck, short legs, and a sharp beak. Males can usually be distinguished from females by their longer tails.The plastron is small, with only one hinge which is located anteriorly. There is no gular scute. Barbels are present on the chin only