Caiman Turtle

It alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) o alligator turtle is a turtle species water species found in South and Central America. These turtles are known for their large heads and strong jaws, which have earned them the name "alligator" due to their crocodile-like appearance. Below is an article about alligator snapping turtles, their characteristics, habitat, and conservation.

Distribution

The geographic distribution of this species extends throughout the river systems that flow into the Gulf of Mexico in the United States. Its habitat covers the Mississippi Valley, starting in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois, as well as southeastern Georgia, northern Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and eastern Texas.

Characteristics

The dorsal surface of this turtle is rough, with very pronounced serrations, especially on the posterior marginal scutes. Three keels or ridges formed by the raised edges of each carapace scute are clearly distinguishable, which persist even in older animals. Between the costal and marginal scutes, there are 3 to 8 additional supramarginal scutes. In total, this species has 23 marginal scutes on its shell, which can be dark brown, dark gray, or black.

It is common to find these algae-covered turtles, giving them a prehistoric appearance and allowing them to camouflage in aquatic vegetation to ambush their prey.

The plastron is small and cross-shaped, with poorly developed bridges. Its color is grayish and mottled with dark spots.

The head is broad, with a pointed nose and an upper jaw featuring an impressive hook. At the back of the mouth, they have a mobile worm-shaped tongue red, worm-like tongue that waves to lure prey, a unique trait among turtles. The head also has large scales on top and sides, while the neck and chin have conical tubercles that likely help with camouflage. Notably, this turtle cannot retract its head under the shell.

The limbs of this turtle are muscular and equipped with long, strong claws. The tail is extremely long, resembling that of a crocodile, with three rows of tubercles on top, while the underside is covered with small, dense scales. Its appearance is similar to a prehistoric animal and it should be handled with care, as it can quickly extend its neck and surprisingly twist it backward.

Habits

This species of turtle is fully aquatic and never leaves the water except to lay eggs. They can be found in deep rivers, canals, and lakes connected to flowing waters, as well as in areas with muddy bottoms. They can tolerate brackish water, as evidenced by barnacles (cirripede crustaceans) that often attach to their shells. They like to hide and remain still, with their mouths open and waving their worm-like lure while waiting for prey to pass by.

How long does the caiman turtle live?

Caiman turtles can live up to 45 years in their natural habitat, although the average age is around 23 years.

How big is the caiman turtle?

Caiman turtles can grow to an impressive size, the freshwater turtle largest, with a shell measuring about 50 centimeters long. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Some specimens reach a weight of 113 kg and measure 80 cm.

They grow very quickly; in the first years of life, they double their size each year.

What does the caiman turtle eat?

They are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of foods, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, snakes, small caimans, amphibians, small mammals, turtles, as well as aquatic plants, seeds, and fruits fallen into the water. A significant amount of acorns has also been found in their stomach contents.

Due to their size and strength, these turtles are formidable predators and have few natural enemies. In numerous videos, we can see how they are capable of cracking a watermelon.

Reproduction

Mating occurs between February and April, and copulation is quick, with the male brutally biting the head and neck of the smaller female. Usually, there is only one clutch per year, with eggs buried in expanded nests at the bottom of the water. The clutches always occur during the day with a quantity of about 40 eggs.

Sexual maturity in the alligator snapping turtles It is reached in both males and females at 11 to 13 years of age.

The specimens of baby alligator turtle of this species are born between September and October. Despite their young age, they already have a rough shell with three ridges and their head is covered with masses of superficial tissue. Like adults, their orbits are surrounded by conical tubercles and their jaw is effective, giving them a aggressive nature from an early age.

What is the largest caiman turtle in the world?

The famous alligator turtle nicknamed "Busco's beast" captured in 1948, which weighed 227 kg.

Conservation status

Alligator snapping turtles have few natural predators and only their eggs are destroyed by raccoons. This species has been heavily exploited by humans, especially for its meat and soup. In the 1980s, a single Louisiana trader obtained many tons of alligator turtles. To reduce the collection of these turtles, federal protection measures must be implemented, such as banning possession, sale, purchase, or export in some states, like Florida.

Although these turtles have a fearsome predator image, local populations still appreciate their meat and consume it in large quantities in Louisiana.

Sometimes are sold in European pet stores, which poses a danger, as they can inflict deep wounds with their powerful jaws on their owners, along with the snapping turtleSome specimens kept in captivity are released into the wild when they grow large. This has led to their presence in lakes, lagoons, and even the sea in places like Germany and France, causing damage to local wildlife.

Currently can be legally traded in Spain. The reason is that it is not considered an invasive species because the climate would cause it to die. When we buy a snapping turtle, its documentation is registered to confirm that you are the owner of the pet, so it is recorded. The price of a snapping turtle in a reptile store starts at €150 and up, depending on its age and size.

Caiman Turtle Images

Below we show a gallery of images of the Snapping Turtle in their natural state:

Accessories for aquatic turtles

Types of aquatic turtles