Musk turtle

Musk turtle is the common name given to two genera of aquatic turtles: Sternotherus just known as musk turtles, and Staurotypus, the giant musk turtles. They are found in the United States, Mexico and into Central America. They are characterized by a distinctly domed carapace (upper shell) which can have as many as three ridges down its length. Musk turtles are carnivorous, consuming a variety of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish and carrion. They prefer habitats with slow moving, shallow water that is heavily vegetated and has a soft, muddy bottom. They are called musk turtles because of a foul smelling musk they are capable of emitting from glands on either side of the underside of their carapace.

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  Common Musk Turtle
  Sternotherus odoratus
• Razorback Musk Turtle Sternotherus carinatus
  Razorback Musk Turtle
  Sternotherus carinatus
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  Chiapas Giant Musk Turtle
  Staurotypus salvinii
• Mexican Giant Musk Turtle Staurotypus triporcatus
  Mexican Giant Musk Turtle
  Staurotypus triporcatus