Mexican musk turtle


The Mexican musk turtle , also known commonly as the narrow-bridged musk turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is endemic to Central America and Mexico.

Geographic range

S. triporcatus is found in Belize, northeastern Guatemala, western Honduras, and Mexico. In Mexico it is found in the Mexican states of Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.

Description

S. triporcatus is typically much larger than other species of Kinosternidae, attaining a straight carapace length of up to 36 cm, with males being significantly smaller than females. It is typically brown, black, or green in color, with a yellow underside. The carapace is distinguished by three distinct ridges, or keels, which run the length.

Diet

Like other musk turtle species, S. triporcatus is carnivorous, eating various types of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish and carrion..