Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've noticed in photos that some T. c. carolina show shells that are shiny as if they are polished, when in fact no one has polished them, and some are not so shiny. The turtle I had that I called T. Herman was was shiny in this way.

What are the causes of differences? Is it genetics solely? diet? growth rate? some combination of these?

Lots of folks rinse of their turtles before photographing them, which makes them look shiny. Also, older turtles may have smoother shells as the result of wear.

My captive turtles outside all have dull shells, whereas the wild ones I find in the neighborhood all have shiny shells! I think it is their lifestyle-walking through dew covered grasses, whereas mine just hide in their forms and wait for their meals

But yes, as Steph says, when I photograph my turtles I wet them down so they shine. Tess