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1 September 2011 Growth of the Flattened Musk Turtle, Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb
Sherry R. Melancon, Robert A. Angus, Ken R. Marion
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Abstract

Sternotherus depressus (Flattened Musk Turtle) is a threatened endemic of the Black Warrior River basin in northern Alabama. Carapace lengths taken from recaptures of turtles individually marked over an 18-year period were used to generate von Bertalanffy growth curves for both sexes. Females grew faster than males early in life and reached estimated asymptotic size at a younger age. Size-at-sexual-maturity data from previous studies indicate that males reach maturity in 10–12 years, while females mature at 12–15 years. Compared to a spring-dwelling Florida population of S. minor (Loggerhead Musk Turtle), the Flattened Musk Turtle has a slower growth rate, a greater age at maturity, and a smaller asymptotic size. These differing life-history characteristics likely reflect cooler water temperatures and reduced food availability in Flattened Musk Turtle habitats.

Sherry R. Melancon, Robert A. Angus, and Ken R. Marion "Growth of the Flattened Musk Turtle, Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb," Southeastern Naturalist 10(3), 399-408, (1 September 2011). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.010.0302
Published: 1 September 2011
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