How does one differentiate the sex in turtles?
Externally this can only be done when turtles reach maturity. A male’s tail at this point extends out further than the back flippers, and is maybe 40 to 50 cm long. The female’s tail is much shorter, only 15-20 cm long. The problem is, when the turtles are immature, there is no difference. So, a large turtle with a short tail could be an immature turtle or a mature female, while a long-tailed turtle is definitely a male. Scientists dissect baby turtles to determine their sex if necessary and can use micro-surgery with a laparascope to determine gender in larger turtles.
