[1] There are two subspecies recognised: The Baja California slider is a medium-sized turtle and identified for their clawed digits, non-elephantine hind limbs and a wide-colored suborbital patch.

The Baja California slider has a large, triangular shaped head which is covered by smooth skin.

They were endemic only to the Río San José basin in the greater Cabo San Lucas area (where they are now exceedingly rare due to over fishing) but as early as the late 1700s they were transported northwards by natives to provide a continuing food source.

They prefer larger bodies of water with muddy bottoms, often seen basking on emerged rocks or floating logs.

Although they are extremely wary of humans being very difficult to approach and are high maintenance, they make good house pets.