Sternotherus carinatus (Razor-backed Musk Turtle)

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Home > Turtle Database > Sternotherus carinatus (Razor-backed Musk Turtle)

Sternotherus carinatus, commonly known as the Razor-backed Musk Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle named for the distinct sharp ridge running along its shell. Found in slow-moving waters of the southeastern United States, this species is secretive and primarily aquatic, rarely basking outside the water.

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Kinosternidae
Genus: Sternotherus
Species: Sternotherus carinatus

Common Names

Razor-backed Musk Turtle

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Identification

Description

This turtle has a highly domed, brownish to grayish carapace with a sharp, central ridge that gives it a “razor-backed” appearance. The shell often features dark speckles or streaks, adding to its rough texture. Its head is relatively large, covered in light and dark mottled patterns, and it has barbels on the chin and throat. The plastron is small, offering less protection than in other turtle species.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are typically larger than males, but males have longer, thicker tails with a more prominent vent positioned farther from the shell. Males may also have a rougher texture on their rear legs.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is native to the southeastern United States, primarily found in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and parts of Alabama and Oklahoma.

Preferred Habitat

Razor-backed Musk Turtles prefer slow-moving freshwater environments such as rivers, streams, swamps, and oxbow lakes. They thrive in areas with soft, muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation, using submerged logs and debris for cover.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant material. They primarily forage underwater, using their keen sense of smell to locate food.

Predators

Juveniles face threats from larger fish, birds, and other turtles, while adults may fall prey to raccoons, alligators, and humans. Their secretive nature and ability to release a strong musk help deter predators.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Mating occurs in spring and fall, with females laying eggs in early summer.

Reproductive Method

Females lay 2–5 eggs in a shallow nest, typically in sandy or muddy areas near water. The eggs incubate for about 90–120 days before hatching.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Threats

Habitat destruction, water pollution, and collection for the pet trade are the main threats to this species.

Conservation Measures

Protecting wetland habitats and regulating trade help maintain stable populations.

Economic Importance

This species is popular in the pet trade due to its small size and relatively easy care, though wild collection can negatively impact populations.

Interesting Facts

  • Despite their name, they rarely produce a strong musk compared to other musk turtles.
  • They spend most of their lives underwater and are not frequent baskers.
  • Their high-domed shell makes them appear larger to potential predators.
  • Unlike some other turtles, they are not strong swimmers and rely on walking along the bottom of their habitat.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.