General Care Discussion :: Extra Scutes on Carapace

[smartygurl]

I just realized today that Speckles my RES has extra vertebral scutes on her carapace. When I first got them, I was looking at all of the turtles from above, so I picked out Spot and Speckles because their shells looked different and I would be able to tell them apart. Well, now I know that what I first thought was a zig zag pattern on her shell, is actually 8 vertebral scutes, while Spot has the normal 5. I'm wondering if there is anything I should be looking out for because of this healthwise. She is shy turtle, but eats alot and otherwise seems ok. As soon as I figure out how to post a picture of it, I will.

[johnrisky]

A zig zag pattern? don't know how that looks like, but I think if she sleeps and eats right and no other odd behaviors, it's pretty much the same with other turtles?

[steve]

It's usually not a problem if growth and shedding rates are normal (slow and steady).

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Like steve said, its shouldnt effect her health in anyway, just overall shape will change as an adult most. Probably wider or lope sided, like this turtle.

[slider_keeper]

I actually like that shell, something different. As far as I know, it doesn't hurt the turtle at all. I have seen several of these extra scutes for sell on the internet.