Urgent Care :: shell..

[sinbad]

I just got a new tank and I put the turtles in and something that looked like mother-of-pearl came off!!!!What could it be?


HELP!!!

[marisa]

You have to be more specific--what did this mother-of-pearl looking substance come off of? The turtles? Something in the tank? What does it look like--is it flat, round? Is it hard, soft?

[steve]

In addition to specifics, try to answer some of the questions in the post here: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

[sinbad]

well,the top of the shell!!

[marisa]

Is the object thin, translucent and the shape of a scute/part of a scute? If so, it sounds like your one turtle may have shed one. How do their shells look when they're dry? Do they appear healthy?

[sinbad]

It is thin and traslucent,andthe shape of a scute!!wat does healthy look like?im new!!

[ellman605]

Dude, calm down a little, just breathe for a little bit, the answer will come

[sinbad]

im not freaked out

[staman]

Your turtle's shell is divided up into individual regions. These are called scutes.

Do you have, or have access to, a digital camera? A picture of your turtles shell would be a great help. Sounds like your turtle just shed a scute which is perfectly normal....

[marisa]

The shell where the scute came off should look healthy--no fungus (cottony-looking substance), nothing "strange" on it. The area will most likely be a better color. The shell should be firm to the touch.

[sinbad]

ok great