2-2.5"

Turtles are among the coolest and most fortified creatures roaming the Earth today. Their most obvious standout feature is the protective shell they lumber around in. But a turtle’s shell isn’t just armor; it’s actually part of its skeleton. It’s made up of about 60 bones, including the turtle’s ribs and spine, all fused together. Imagine having your ribcage extend to the outside of your skin to create a permanent suit of armor, and you’ll get the gist of a turtle’s everyday outfit.

The red-eared slider is no exception to this reptilian dress code. Their tiny shells are as cute as they are functional. Not only do they wear their bones on the outside for protection, but they also use the underside as an adorable mode of transportation. Red-eared sliders get their name from a charming little habit: they love slipping and sliding off rocks into the water they call home, not from a tiny, delicious burger you’d get at a bar. Their distinctive red stripe behind each ear and their knack for turning any smooth surface into a slip-and-slide make them true standouts in the reptile world.

These shells would be perfect for a diorama, jewelry making, or simply as part of your collection. We don’t get these often, so if you’re reading this and feeling inspired, grab one while it’s here.