Red-eared slider

Trachemys scripta elegans

This turtle spends most of its time in fresh water.

Distinguishing characteristics of the sexes:

The male’s tail is longer and thicker, the cloaca further away from the shell.

What is the cloaca? Turtles have an opening on their tail called the cloaca. Both sexes have this opening, but the cloaca in male turtles is further away from the body, closer to the end of the tail. In female turtles, the cloaca is closer to the body, almost below the shell.