General Care Discussion :: Shell abnormality? Will this be a problem later?

[BiteyBits]

Heya, I noticed that one of my new turtles has a weird shell section at the bottom of his spine area. Looks like one section is split in two.

Will this be a potential problem as s/he grows?

[jay2487]

i would imagine that it will go away after a couple sheds but... Maybe someone more experienced will come along and know more

[papoopeepoo]

Turtle shells are like fingerprints, no two people's are the same. Your turtle just formed its shell differently in its egg. It looks to me like he/she just formed two scutes instead of one in that area. Your turtle just has an imperfect shell.

This should pose no danger or problem in the future. Good luck, and have fun.

[BiteyBits]

Whew, thanks. I think it's kinda cute, I like the uniqueness, but was worried it might indicate a spinal problem underneath. She swims well and is the more active of the two.

Also I picked this particular one because a child dropped it while I was looking over the turtles, and I was concerned for it. So I'm a bit overwatchful for injuries/problems. She seems to be doing very well.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Yea like everyone said your turtle will be fine. Having one extra scute wont effect it.

I have seen much worse. Like this one. This one the extra scutes are effecting its overall shape. This turtle will looks weird once it gets big.

[Moose]

you see alot of split scutes like those in turtles that have been bred rapidly or under high incubation