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Trying to make my RES as healthy as possible...I've noticed the following...

Pellets = High Shell
Dried Shrimp = Pyramid Scutes

Veggie Jello = Low Shell and Smooth Scutes

I noticed Wild RES are Flat and Captive RES have High Shells.

Is the goal to have a flat RES?

By nature, aquatics have flatter shells (streamlined for swimming). Box turtles and tortoises usually have higher shells because it suits walking on land better. So I would vote to strive for a flatter shell. A book-smart answer, but it has always made sense to me

Females naturally have higher domed shell and males are usually flat.