| Razor-backed musk turtle | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Sauropsida |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Family: | Kinosternidae |
| Genus: | Sternotherus |
| Species: | S. carinatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sternotherus carinatus (Gray, 1856) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Aromochelys carinata Gray, 1856 |
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The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is a species of turtle native to the United States.
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It is found in the states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Florida and Louisiana.
The razor-backed musk turtle grows to approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. It has a brown-colored shell, with black markings at the edges of each scute. The shell 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.
They are almost entirely aquatic, spending most of their time in shallow, heavily vegetated, slow-moving creeks, or ponds. The only time they typically venture onto land is when females lay their eggs. When a razor-backed musk turtle feels threatened, it will release a foul odor, similar to a skunk's.
Their diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates, including freshwater clams, crayfish, snails, and various insects. They also feed on fish and carrion.
The razor-backed musk turtle is frequently found in captivity, and is regularly captive bred. Its relatively small size, and ease of care makes it a more attractive choice as a pet turtle for many keepers, than the more commonly available red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).
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