Turtle/tortoise ID

[mobtech]

So my grandparents found this turtle/tortoise roaming by there house in North County San Diego. I thought it was a box turtle, but does not have any markings. Any help on an id? Its back legs are semi-webbed, but his front legs look more tortoise like. I have him in a spot with warm water and spots to get out of the water. I would love to know what he/she is? Thanks.

 

[Kristina]

It is a turtle, for sure, not a tortoise. What kind - I'm not sure. It looks almost like a sideneck or snakeneck of some sort...

 

[dmmj]

I am only guessing and partly agreeing with kyyrah just form the way the head is being held it does look like some type of sideneck. does it have an abnormally long neck? does it hold it's head in sideways?

 

[egyptiandan]

They have found a West African sideneck, Pelusios castaneus. It looks to be a female and has had a bit of shell rot on the plastron. It's very much a water turtle.

Danny

 

[Laura]

post signs to see if anyone is missing something...make it generic..
that shell rot almost looks like dog bite marks..
prob needs some care...

 

[dmmj]

Do not mention the turtle specifically in any lost posting, to many people will try and get a free turtle if you list specifics, these are not normally found in the pet trade so if it is someone's pet they should respond with a very specific description. Very nice find. Personally I would just say " lost turtle please call or email to ID" and leave it at that.

 

[mobtech]

I have put up a lost/found post on craigslist and am going to have my grandparents put up a few signs at there place. If I can not find it owner anyone have room for it?

 

[mobtech]

I am in Northern San Diego/ southern riverside county. I would rather not ship the turtle.

 

[turtleguidebook]

Some of a box turtle appearance...
- widely in appearance.
- some are very brightly colored, while others are an overall brown color.
- adults average from four to eight inches in length.
- physical feature is the plastron, hinged at the front which forming a box.

Hope ull be able to determine which turtle is in your hands now...

 

[Tom O.]

I think it is a pelusios species.

 

[Saloli]

i agree it is a african mud turtle which one i'm not real sure (not that familiar with them)