Staurotypus

Staurotypus is a genus of aquatic turtles commonly known as Mexican musk turtles, giant musk turtles, or three-keeled musk turtles. There are two recognized species found in Mexico and into Central America. They are typically much larger than other species of musk turtle, attaining sizes of up to 14 inches, with males being significantly smaller than females. They are typically brown, black, or green in color, with a yellow underside. Their carapace is distinguished by three distinct ridges, or keels which run its length. Like other musk turtle species, they are carnivorous, eating various types of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish and carrion.

Species

• Chiapas Giant Musk Turtle, Staurotypus salvinii (Gray, 1864)
• Mexican Giant Musk Turtle, Staurotypus triporcatus (Wiegmann, 1828)

Distribution

S. salvinii is found primarily in Mexico, in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, but ranges south into Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize. S. triporcatus is also found primarily in Mexico, and is more wide-spread, found in the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Yucatán, and Campeche, and ranges south into Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

References

• Turtles of the World - Staurotypus salvini & Staurotypus triporcatus