Though not large or flashy, this turtle stands out with its distinctive, sharply ridged shell, which gives it the “razor-backed” name. It may look unassuming, but it’s perfectly designed for stealth, survival, and the slow rhythms of life underwater.

What makes the razor-backed musk turtle so unique is its sharp, keeled carapace, which runs like a raised ridge down the center of its back—like a tiny armored tank from the age of dinosaurs. The carapace is typically brown to grayish-tan, often mottled with darker blotches that help it blend in with muddy riverbeds. Its plastron (the bottom shell) is small, leaving parts of its body exposed, but this is an adaptation for greater mobility in its aquatic environment. Its head is large with a pointed snout and two thin, yellowish stripes running along its face, giving it a look that’s both fierce and oddly endearing.

The razor-backed musk turtle spends almost its entire life in the water. It prefers slow-moving rivers, ponds, and swamps with soft bottoms and abundant vegetation, where it can hide among fallen logs or leaf litter. Despite its armored look, it’s a shy and secretive creature, rarely basking like other turtles. Instead, it surfaces only briefly for air before sinking quietly back down to rest or forage.

Like other musk turtles, the razor-backed musk turtle has a fascinating—and rather pungent—defense mechanism. When threatened or handled, it can release a strong, musky odor from scent glands located beneath its shell. This is where its family gets its name—“musk turtles.” The smell can deter predators or surprise curious humans, leading to its colloquial nickname, the “stinkpot.” However, these turtles are generally docile and rely more on hiding than fighting; their scent is a last resort rather than a weapon of choice.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

United States

2023