DESCRIPTION: A large (shell up to 480 mm or 19″ in length), heavy-bodied, aquatic turtle with a long, spiked tail and a sharp, hooked jaw. The top part of the shell (carapace) is gray, black, olive, or dark brown and is often covered with mud and algae. The bottom part of the shell (plastron) is cream or off-white and is greatly reduced in size. The diminished plastron results in wide openings to accommodate the large chunky limbs. The feet are equipped with long, sharp claws. Young have three prominent ridges running the length of the carapace. These ridges become reduced as the animal ages.

HABITAT: Natural habitat includes the quiet, heavily vegetated waters of marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow moving rivers. In the Phoenix area it lives in shallow, man-made ponds, canals, urban lakes, and housing community lakes.

BEHAVIOR: This highly aquatic turtle spends the majority of its time on the bottom of the lake, pond, or river often partially buried in mud or vegetation. It basks by floating in warm, sunlit water near the surface. It spends the cold winter months buried in the mud on the bed of the body of water. This turtle can strike with remarkable speed and does not hesitate to bite when captured. It is capable of inflicting serious injury with its sharp, powerful jaw and long, sharp claws. It is also capable of emitting a foul smelling musk when handled.