Facts About Aquatic Turtles

Aquatic turtles have specific diet and housing needs that differ from land turtles.

Proper and responsible pet care begins with learning as much as possible about the animal you have. There are many different species of turtles, and the care, housing, and feeding needs of each are different. Aquatic turtles, for example, require specialized care. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with some basic facts about aquatic turtles will help ensure that you are able to care for your turtle properly.

Characteristics

The most common type of aquatic turtles sold in pet stores are red-eared sliders, which are actually semi-aquatic. It is important to point out that all freshwater aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, although able to stay under water for prolonged periods of time, are not able to breath underwater.

Aquatic turtles have short, stubby, paddle-like feet, and necks and shells that are more elongated then those of their land counterparts, designed to help them move quickly through the water.

Diet

Aquatic turtles are omnivores, and require a varied diet of earthworms, crickets, snails, live fish and vegetables, including squash and carrots. It is also recommended that a calcium supplement be added to their food in order to ensure that the turtle receives the proper amount of calcium necessary for healthy shell development.

Housing

The type of aquatic turtle and the number of turtles being kept in one enclosure will help determine how much space is needed. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 10 gallons of aquarium space per turtle. In general, aquariums work best and are the easiest to clean and are often preferred by pet stores because constant filtering of the water in a turtle tank is required due to the large amount of waste that turtles produce.

Aside from water, a turtle tank should also include rocks and gravel that are too large to be eaten, and larger basking rocks. The temperature of the water should be kept between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the species of turtle, The use of a heat lamp or a radiant heat source are effective in achieving the desired temperature in the tank.

Common Health Problems

The most common health problems that effect aquatic turtles are respiratory infections (RI), which can turn into fatal pneumonia, if left untreated. RI in turtles is characterized by puffy or swollen eyes, lethargy, wheezing and lack of appetite. RI can be prevented by making sure that the water temperature in your turtle's tank is kept consistent, and that the water is clean and changed frequently.

Aquatic turtles can also suffer from shell and skin infections, as well as parasite infestations and Vitamin A deficiencies.

Considerations

Aquatic turtles are high-maintenance pets and are not recommended for young children or for those who lack the time to care for them on a daily basis. For the right pet owner, however, aquatic turtles can be interesting pets to own. Turtles engage in a variety of behaviors that can be enjoyable to watch, including swimming, basking, and interacting with each other. Over time, a pet turtle will learn to recognize its owner and become more receptive to handling and interaction.

References

• Petco: Aquatic Turtle Care Fact Sheet
• My Turtle Cam: Facts About Aquatic Turtle
• Win Rose Animal Hospital: Aquatic Turtle Care