What is an aquatic turtle?
Still called fresh water turtle, the aquatic turtle is the one that lives nearby or in freshwater. Unlike terrestrial turtles, aquatic turtles have a less domed shell and more or less webbed legs. Unlike terrestrial turtles which are made up of large legs Equipped with claws, freshwater turtles have webbed legs that serve them as birthday pallets.
Being an aquatic carnivorous turtle with young people, they generally feed on fresh food (insects, small fish, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, larvae ...) and become omnivorous after the age of 2 years.
The different species of aquatic turtles
There are various aquatic turtle species. Thus, the main species of the best known aquatic turtles are as follows.
The Malaysia Box turtle
Of Malaysian origin, the Malaysia box turtle is a freshwater turtle of the family of Geoemydidae. His real name Coora Amboinensis, it is a protected species. In adulthood, it has an average size of 20 cm.
Being omnivorous, the Malaysia box turtle has a longevity of 38 years. She lives in rice fields, ponds, swamps and short -slow estuaries. It is present in Malaysia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines…
Pelomedusa aquatic turtle
The Pelomedusa Subrofa or Crown Turtle Hidden from Africa is an African aquatic turtle and is one of the pelomedusidae that are widespread throughout Africa. Therefore, she does not humb. She is not a good swimmer, because unlike others aquatic turtles: She has claws at the expense of webbed legs. With an olive and flat back, a shell of 25 to 30 cm, the Pelomedusa is exclusively carnivorous and can live up to 15 years.
The common musk turtle
The common musk turtle is from eastern North America. Scientifically named Sternotherus Odoratus, she has a beige yellow plastron and a curved shell of olive, gray or black brown color.
With a preference for muddy waters, the musk turtle inhabits the marshes, rivers, swamps and ponds in which it takes food. Despite its small size from 11cm to 15 cm in adulthood, this aquatic turtle can reach up to 50 years of life.
The striped neck turtle
Known under the name of striped neck emyde, the mauremys sinensis are aquatic turtles of the family of Geoemydidae. It is distinguished by its two -color yellow and green texture with horizontal yellow color stripes. Omnivorous in nature, the striped neck emyde can measure on average 20 cm to 15 cm. Originally from Asia, it has a longevity of 20 years.
European Cistitude
From the Emydidae family, the height of its real name Emys Orbicularis is a small aquatic turtle from Europe whose existence is threatened. It is characterized by a smooth, slightly curved and yellowish brown shell accompanied by yellow scratches. This French aquatic turtle measures between 14 cm to 20 cm. Of a carnivorous and malaria nature, it can live up to fifty years.
The Emyde Léprous
From the Geoemydidae family, the Leprere Emyde also called Mauremys Leprosa is a kind of dulçaquicole turtles. Considered a threatened species, it is spread in France, Spain, Portugal and even in the Maghreb. It stands out with gray shades with red or olive reflections and a flat and tiled shell. Omnivorous in nature, the leprous measurement measure between 16 cm to 25 cm and can quickly 50 years or more.
Florida aquatic turtle
Still called Trachemys Scripta, the aquatic turtle Florida is part of the Emydidae family. This semi-aquatic turtle is from North America and is invasive in Europe and in several countries in the world. With a size of 10 to 40 cm in adulthood, this adult water turtle is distinguished by its brown green shell and its yellowish plastron.
The painted turtle
From the Emydidae family, the painted turtle can be identified by red or yellow bands on the neck, tail and legs. It has a smooth and oval -shaped shell and an olive dorsière. His real name Chrysemys Picta, this turtle is a very widespread semi-aquatic in North America and lives in calm, deep and brackish waters. They generally measure between 12 to 25 cm in adulthood, with a longevity of 35 years maximum.
Everything about domestic aquatic turtles
Although coming from a natural habitat, there are ideal aquatic turtles to be domesticated. Buying an aquatic turtle is prohibited by law across the majority of countries in the world, following the bad mastery of Turtle lifestyle by their buyer who led to the loss of several species.
How to arrange an aquarium for domestic aquatic turtle?
In order to ensure the well-being of an aquatic turtle, A glass aquarium and equipped with a filter, a cover, a terrestrial area is strongly recommended. You have to opt for a robust aquarium sufficiently filled with water, and it is also important to check the temperature of this water.
How to take care of an aquatic turtle
Taking care of an aquatic turtle is a responsibility that includes mastering the latter's needs. Thus, it is essential to ensure them a Aquaterrarium ventilated, very deep water at a suitable temperature for their comfort.
Their habitat must be regularly enlightened and their nutritional needs adapted and respected to provide them with iron health. Nor is it to neglect their hygiene as well as that of their environment.
How to feed an aquatic turtle?
Aquatic turtles are mostly omnivores, some are carnivores and other vegetarians. But the aquatic turtle diet consists of fresh foods of water such as:
- Small fish,
- Insects,
- Earthworms,
- The crickets,
- Etc…
Hibernation aquatic turtle
The question of how long an aquatic turtle can stay without eating, depending on research, the latter can stay up to three weeks or more without eating. This is the case during periods of hibernation during which aquatic turtles remain in their shell for a long time to protect themselves from climate aggression. Some scientists report that exceptional cases of turtles having done months or even years without eating have been observed.
Domestic turtle: purchase, price and life expectancy
Aquatic domestic turtle price
Depending on its age, size and species, the price of an aquatic turtle baby, a small turtle or an adult aquatic turtle can vary between 30 euros at 600 euros.
How to buy an aquatic turtle?
You need a water turtle and don't know how or where to find it? So no worries! It is well advised to buy your torture from a professional breeder, in a refuge or in a pet store to be sure that you will have the Guarantee on your turtle.
Thus, you will benefit from free advice on how to ensure its well-being and long lifespan.
What is the life of an aquatic turtle?
Aquatic turtles have a lifespan of 20 to 60 years in species function from which they come. Thus, it is important to master the different species of aquatic turtles and their lifestyle.
Some water turtle accessory
Once detached from their natural space, aquatic turtles need to be placed in an environment suitable for their well-being.
Water turtle aquarium
The exterior aquatic turtle basin must be 6 to 10 times larger than the size of its shell so that the aquatic turtle is comfortable. A spacious living space guarantees him a best health.
Aquatic turtle bulb
For better comfort, the aquarium of aquatic turtles must be equipped with a lighting bulb. The use of the lamp "UVB tropical" At 2.5%, 3% or 5% is strongly recommended by experts. This lamp for aquatic turtle produces light similar to the sun and essential for the proper development of the turtle.
Bac for aquatic turtle
The interior of the tank must be fitted out by vegetation so as to look like an aquaterrarium turtle, natural living space of the minimum aquatic turtle:
- 1m long,
- 40 cm wide,
- 50 cm high (i.e. 20 cm for air and beach and 30cm for water).
Conclusion
In short, there are various species of aquatic turtles that can be grouped in a few main kinds. From the Florida turtle to the leper emyde via the Pelomedusa subrufa, it is important to master the characteristics of each domestic aquatic turtle in order to be able to offer them Best living conditions they need.
