This is what a turtle looks like without its shell.

In 2004, this mutant turtle was found with a genetic deviation that freed it from its cruel natural prison.  Like other crustaceans, the common turtle must molt its shell annually to grow, but its size is restrained by successive developing shells.  That was not the case with this curiosity of nature, which scientists named Ruggero after famed Italian film director and turtle conservationist Ruggero Deodato.  Little Ruggero grew quickly to over 500 pounds, and supplanted his normal turtle diet of grasshoppers and locusts in favor of pigeons and owls.

Though Ruggero was the first of his kind ever discovered, a more common mutation can result in a “half shell”.  This mutation also results in heightened turtle power.  For more information on the turtle and its larval form, the tortoise, be sure to check out the works of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the former of whom is nailing Julie Strain.