How Do You Differentiate A Male Vs. Female Aquatic Turtle?
Different species show different external signs. Sexually mature males of almost all turtles – semi-aquatic, aquatic or terrestrial – have relatively long, heavy tails with the anal opening well beyond the end of the plastron. Females have comparatively tiny tails. Males of many of the semi-aquatic map turtles, painted turtles, sliders and cooters have greatly elongated foreclaws that are employed during an aquatic courtship. Males of many terrestrial species and some aquatics have a concavity in the rear of the plastron that helps them retain balance when breeding. Males of a few species have red or bright orange eyes while those of the females are brown to yellow. Differences in shell color may be noted on other species.
