my nephew received an infant turtle - it is suppose to be a crocodile turtle. It has grown quite a bit - and now has a sharp ridge on its back. We would like information on this turtle.
2006-10-03 13:23:06 · 4 answers · asked by mom 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
There is no such thing as a 'crocodile turtle'. You might want to look over the galleries at http://www.tortoise.org to see what it is.
Sadly, pet shops often mislabel things horribly- sometimes it is a simple misunderstanding, sometimes sheer ignorance. The problem on our side is trying to figure out what it really is.
If you describe the back and belly to us- shape, texture, color(s), and the color/patterns of the head and neck, we can try to give you an identification.
2006-10-03 17:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The turtle is almost undoubtedly an alligator snapping turtle. They are the largest freshwater turtle in the world. The average size for an alligator snapping turtle is somewhere around 150-175 pounds and about 26 inches long. Because of their size they aren't necessarily the easiest type of turtle to maintain because of the habitat which they demand. Though alligator snapping turtles are not as agressive as the smaller snapping turtle, your nephew should be careful handling the turtle, these turtles can easily take fingers off, let alone a small childs arm.
2006-10-03 22:17:52 · answer #2 · answered by wackywallwalker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are probably talking about is an Alligator Snapping Turtle. Though some people consider snapping turtles pests, they can be real fun to keep as a pet (providing you have an enclosure that is large enough). To make sure that it is an Aligator Snapper, look in it's mouth whenever possible to look for the distinct pink, worm-like tongue that it uses to lure fish. Their diet consists mainly of fish and other small water creatures such as crayfish. And unlike most water turtles, such as sliders and painted turtles, Alligator Snappers dont grow to a maximum of one-and-a-half to two feet. They just about continue to grow throughout their whole lives (which is a long time!). So, if it reaches a size which is too big for you to keep it anymore, there may be places nearby that could take it off of your hands.
2006-10-03 14:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by grantacious999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure it's not an alligator turtle? I've never heard of a crocodile turtle, but what you're describing may be an alligator turtle. Check out the link below for more info...I've encountered them before, and I don't think they make very good pets!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Alligatorsnappingturtle.cfm
2006-10-03 13:34:22 · answer #4 · answered by arcanefairy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋