Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I have two RES and have had them for almost a year. Just recently one of them have had these random spots on his shell that almost look like bubbles when he is under the water. When you take him out you can't see anything. I don't know if he is shedding or if he has some kind of fungus or what. Another question Ihave is that I know that if tortosies do not have the right nutrition or is over fed segments of their shell will make humps...can that happen to RES also? If you over feed them will their body grow faster than their shell and cause bumps? Please help..I love my turtles!!!!

Those spots sound like shedding scutes, which is nothing to worry about. Yes, sliders shells will pyramid if they are fed too much protein and their shells will be lumpy.
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The spots on the shell could be air pockets under the scutes as they get ready to shed. And yes, overfeeding a RES can cause pyramiding or humps on the shell. It also causes internal problems if the turtle grows too quickly. It is always better to feed less, no more than an amount that would fit inside his head every other day. Feed leafy greens in between. My turtles love romaine lettuce and dandelion greens.

Good luck! Nancy