The freshwater turtle or aquatic turtle
Increasingly prized as pet, the freshwater turtle has become the most marketed reptile in pet stores. The reasons are simple: freshwater turtles are animals easily domesticable both indoors and outdoors. Their purchase cost is relatively low. They have strong resistance and a longevity.
However, even today, too many people ignore the main characteristics of this reptile. We invite you to explore this fascinating turtle. You want Everything about the freshwater turtle ? So read the rest ... 😉
Water turtle species
Unlike sea turtles or terrestrial turtles, the aquatic turtle includes a wide variety of species. Indeed, it is estimated that there are more than a hundred ofSpecies of water turtles can be classified mainly into 3 families:
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Emydidae : These turtles are particularly present in Florida, Mississippi, and in the famous Galapagos region
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Chelydridae : They have an appearance reminiscent of that of snakes.
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Triumychidae : A kind of turtle that is more and more sold. Note that it is necessary to have good knowledge of care to have one because their shells are more fragile.
Some species are very well known to the general public, including the Florida Turtle, the yellow temples turtle, the pelomedusa, the cistitude of Europe, the painted turtle or the chinémyde of reeves ...
Differentiating aquatic, naval and terrestrial turtle
Some people tend to believe that these reptiles are very similar to each other, however there are Large notable differences : Like the fact that the water turtles do not have fins which makes them much less skillful to swim in the water unlike sea turtles.
Aquatic turtles spend all of their lives near fresh water and are carnivorous reptiles (Unlike herbivorous terrestrial turtles). In general, their shell is less curved. In addition, the water turtle does not have a temperature regulation system. We also note that females are often larger than males.
With good living conditions, the aquatic turtle has a life expectancy of about 20 years, but it depends greatly on its habitat (in captivity or in a natural environment). This lifespan far behind these marine and terrestrial cousins but that is what The ideal pet.
What is their natural environment
The vast majority of water turtles spend a large part of their time outside. They live very well in wetlands such as ponds, marshes, rivers ... just like us they fully appreciate the sunbathing And that is why it is recommended to install them near a heat source.
FOOD
Water turtles have a diet essentially carnivorous. These animals have a voracious appetite, but we must ensure that they are not choking while eating. They can eat raw fish, shrimp, crustaceans, white meat or liver for vitamin A.
If you have one, make sure to give it the right amount of fiber, fat, vitamins and calcium. Pay attention to protein intake because the turtle stomach is not ready to assimilate large quantities.
A water turtle at home
To have a freshwater turtle at home, know that there are several important points that you will have to monitor: the size of your aquaterrarium, water quality, temperature (between 25 and 29 °), food, light, hibernation (can hibernate from 4 to 6 months).
To find out more about the arrangements to be taken in order to adopt an aquatic turtle, we recommend this article that will teach you How to take care of your water turtle.
Surprisingly, many people do not dare to acquire these reptiles because they fear that they can be dangerous for children. When they are small, They pose no problem for the home.
It is in adulthood, when the freshwater turtle has become stronger, that bites of bites can possibly appear. Even if it is an animal that has no teeth, its beak is strong enough and robust to hurt. It must be said that this is how and that the turtles also defend themselves in nature, therefore, we cannot fight against this natural phenomenon.
This does not mean that you must be afraid of turtles, quite the contrary. You just have to be careful. A dog can also bite, a cat can scratch, etc. Each domestic animal presents minor risks and dangers which must be taken into account when we want to acquire them.
