Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a huge species of turtle belonging to the family of Chelydridae. The species is found in the freshwater ecosystems throughout the United States. M. Tamminckii is among the largest freshwater turtles found in the world. It is the biggest freshwater turtle species in North America. It is usually connected to, but is not closely related to snapping turtles and is found in the Genus Chelydra
Alligator Snapping Turtle is distinguished by a massive head that is heavy and a thick, long shell that has three dorsal ridges with massive scaling (osteoderms) that give it a primitive appearance, reminiscent of many of the plate-covered dinosaurs particularly Ankylosaurus.
It is immediately differentiated from the snapping turtles of the common species by three different rows of raised plates and spikes on its carapace as opposed to the standard snapping turtle is smoother in its carapace. M. temminckii can be described as a solid grey or black or olive-green color and is usually covered with algae.
It is characterized by radiating yellow patterns around the eyes. They serve to break up the shape that surrounds the eyelids to help keep the turtle hidden. Also, the eyes can be enclosed by a star-shaped arrangement filamentous, fleshy “eyelashes”.
Diet
Alligator Snapping Turtle, also known as the alligator, is an opportunistic food source which is nearly carnivore. It depends on live food that it catches and dead organisms it finds. It will devour almost everything it can find. Fishermen have celebrated the ability of this species to catch fish and diminish fish populations, however, in reality, it mostly targets the most abundant and easy to catch prey. It rarely has any significant negative effect on the fish population.
The diet of the natural predator consists mostly of fish and carcasses of fish as well as carrion, mollusks amphibians, however it can also devour snails, snakes, worms, and other invertebrates such as crawfish, insects, aquatic plants, and other turtles and, occasionally, even small alligators.
In a study that was conducted by researchers in Louisiana, 79.8% of the stomach contents of Alligator Snapping Turtle was discovered to consist of other turtles. However, the inability of reptile-bone and shell fragments in digestion could be the reason for these pieces to be more adsorbent in the stomach as opposed to other things.
This species can also sometimes, hunt aquatic rodents such as muskrats and nutrias, or catch small or mid-sized mammals like Opossums, squirrels, mice as well as raccoons and armadillos when they try to swim or approach an edge of the ocean.
Tasha Baughman –
Purchased two AST from them, they arrived in great condition and are doing wonderful. Very fine specimens.
Thank you so much for the animals! Will do business in the future.
fred noel –
Ordered six Alligator Snapping Turtles. Shipping and packaging excellent. Animals eating in two days. I was concerned about poor reviews, but was blown away by quality of animals.
K. McArty –
I have seen both good and bad reviews, and I’m shocked at the bad ones. This business is spot on, they answered every single email I sent to them (and I sent a lot, with questions, etc., etc.) I over paid, they refunded my money immediately. They were very helpful with the shipping process, and I received 3 healthy CB juvenile turtles. It was actually easier than purchasing at a pet store (Boabay has a HUGE selection of species) and way better than a reptile show were the reptiles are handled and ogled at by everyone, but no-one buys. I will definitely be a returning customer, my first experience was fantastic.
Maybe all the bad reviews are from beginner reptile owners, or they think buying a reptile or arachnid is like ordering take out pizza. Its NOT that simple and Boabay takes care of all the little details.
Thank you Boabay, 3 different species, super healthy and bright eyed, from your tank to mine in less than 15 hours!
Amazing!!
Mark –
I ordered a 3 AST and it took a little while to get here because it was a holiday weekend. When it arrived it was a little freaked out because of the journey and when I opened the bag that it was in it. After I put it in an outdoor cage and gave it food it was a happy turtle! My cats came up checking it out. All in all I am pleased with the purchase.
John Brough –
Everything was smooth as could be, Even with heat wave happening turtles arrived in great shape, active and hungry, very similar to photos displayed, One tame as could be other calms down quickly when handled properly. Thanks for such a positive experience was quite nervous after reading complaint reviews online, very good experience will order more in future.
Chasity Heard –
I had no problems from them…they responded to all my emails….beautiful Snapping turtle was delivered to me. Yeah I do understand that they have lots of people they have to respond to and they can’t respond to emails within the days that yall want they responded to me within 24 hours like the next day I had no problems with him if you ask questions they respond I told them don’t trust because of the reviews and they responded back today and they are made sure I had a healthy turtle like it’s all about communication if you other if you buy something off the Internet and not tell them what you want exactly how you expect your animal you can’t expect them to be the way you want. He came the day that they say he was going to come and understand the trial shipping free because these are LIVE ANIMALS…..NOT A PAIR OF JEANS IN THE MAIL.
Heather –
I’ve been buying animals from here the last few years and every one I have gotten is live well and some of the better prices I’ve seen available any questions I have are always answered quickly.
Taylor Zich –
I ordered a CB AST turtle hatchling 2 days ago and she just arrived today. She was alive and healthy when I opened up the box. I would definitely order from here agian!