Hypo???

Question
QUESTION: I found this baby Common snapping turtle about 5 months ago. At first he was normal colored, black carapace and light colored plastron. But over the past few months i noticed a rapid change in his coloring. The first two months he was black but on the third month his coloring changed from black to a lightish brown, maybe an almost reddish kind of brown, and his plastron went a maybe bluish gray. Is this a hypomelanistic turtle or is this normal for this kind of turtle? I thought he may have been a Florida variety but the no pics on the Internet match. Nor any of the Mexican or Ecuadorian. I just want to know what these color changes are. I have pics but only of him now. I know he was definitely black when i first found him and he doesnt look like any common snapping turtle ive seen at that age.

ANSWER: Justin,  

Hypomelanistic animals are born that way to my knowledge I have heard of very rare cases of the animals changing color so late in life.  More than likely what you are seeing is a  reaction to diet, food, and environment change.  All of these factors have profound effect on the animal.  My first question would be about UVB Lighting how much are you providing can the Turtle get into the shade etc.  This could also be a reflection of a specific nutrient deficiency which I would be unaware of as I am not a Vet.  I hope this helps at least somewhat if yo have any further information or wish to continue to try and figure this out we continue emailing and see what we can do.

All the Best


John F Taylor


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


???   QUESTION: I took the two pics within several days of each other. Both were taken a month ago. His carapace has remained somewhat unchanged but the plastron is not that black color anymore. It has changed to a lighter gray. Especially at the bridges where all black has disappeared.

Answer
You know what Justin, now looking at the pictures and thinking about in depth and discussing it with some colleagues we have come to the conclusion that this is most likely a color change due to age.  It's not a Hypo in my opinion but it also may be a locality change meaning where you found it for whatever reason the turtles are different in that area.  I know where I am there are several locality species of Rosy Boa with one county.  As long as the shell is not flaking off and becoming soft I would venture to say the little guy is just fine but I would like to hear of any progress and I hope that I have been of help any other questions please let me know.