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Scientific Name: Dermatemys Mawii

Lifespan: 30-50 Years

Origin: Central America

Central American River Turtle

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The ancient Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii), sometimes called the "hickatee" or "tortuga blanca," inhabits the freshwater rivers, lakes, and lagoons of the region, mostly in Belize, Guatemala, and the southern region of Mexico.

The ecological and evolutionary importance of this turtle is underscored by the fact that it represents a lineage that extends back to the time of the dinosaurs, making it one of the most primitive turtle species that is still alive today.

The top shell of this turtle is smooth and may range in color from gray to olive, while the bottom shell is a lighter creamy yellow.

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Male

  • Height

    20-30 cm / 8-12 Inches

  • Weight

    60-90 kg / 132-198 Pounds

  • Length

    60-90 cm / 24-35 Inches

  • Color

Female

  • Height

    20-30 cm / 8-12 Inches

  • Weight

    60-90 kg / 132-198 Pounds

  • Length

    60-90 cm / 24-35 Inches

  • Color

Temperature

Hot: 3 to 5 °C

Cold: -3 to 4 °C

Price

2K to 6K USD

Bite Force

1 to 10 PSI

Activity

Swimming: 1-2 Miles per hour (2-4 km/h)

Other

Animal Type: Omnivores

Origin Description

Dermatemys mawii, more often known as the "hickatee" or "tortuga blanca," is an old and distinctive species of river turtle that originated in the freshwater ecosystems of Central American lagoons, lakes, and rivers. Belize, Guatemala, and the southern part of Mexico are the main habitats for this turtle. It is one of the most ancient turtle species that has survived to the present day since it is a member of the Dermatemydidae family, which has been there since the dinosaur era. The ecological relevance and need of this species' preservation are underscored by the length of its evolutionary history.

Dermatemys mawii is easily identifiable by its large size and unique shell. The smooth outer shell, or carapace, may be any shade from gray to olive, while the bottom shell, or plastron, is usually lighter, often a creamy yellow. The maximum weight for an adult is 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds), and their maximum length is 65 centimeters (about 25 inches). The Central American river turtle is unusual among turtle species in that it shows little to no sexual dimorphism; the sexes seem quite similar, with the exception that females are often bigger.

Description

Dermatemys mawii, more often known as the "hickatee" or "tortuga blanca," is a long-lived species of river turtle that lives in the freshwater ecosystems of Central American lagoons, lakes, and rivers. The Dermatemydidae family has a rich and storied history that begins with the dinosaurs.

This particular turtle is most often seen in Belize, Guatemala, and the southern region of Mexico. The fact that it has persisted for millions of years shows how important it is to preserve this ancient species for ecological reasons.