Staurotypus triporcatus (MEXICAN GIANT MUSK TURTLE) PISCIVORY ON Pterygoplichthys pardalis (SAILFIN CATFISH), AN INVASIVE FISH IN SOUTHERN QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO/NORTHERN ORANGE WALK, BELIZE

Abstract

The Mexican Giant Musk Turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus) inhabits in freshwater slow stream systems in various regions of southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize (Orange Walk). While primarily a durophagus species, preying on shelled or hard organisms, its diet typically consists of aquatic invertebrates, especially mollusks. However, it occasionally exhibits piscivorous habits. In this note, we document an event of piscivory by the Mexican Giant Musk Turtle, specifically targeting the invasive Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) and discuss the potential ecological implications of this behavior.