Red-eared Slider Turtle - Trachemys scripta elegans
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Red-eared
Slider Turtle - Trachemys scripta elegans
[Back to Turtle
Care Sheets]
General Information
Distribution — Southern United States - Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia...Introduced to all states of the US, most Provinces in Canada, several Caribbean islands, Australia, Japan, France....
Habitat — The Red-eared Slider inhabits ponds, streams, rivers, and swamps.
Adult Size — Adults attain shell lengths of approximately 23 cm (9 inches) and may even grow to have a shell length of 28 cm (11 inches).
Temperament — Red-eared Sliders soon recognize that the approach of a human often means food and will typically become quite attentive when you approach; however, many will not hesitate to bite when a finger is placed close to their head. With persistent gentle care and handling they will usually become docile.
Longevity — This species easily reaches the age of 20 and 30 years in captivity.
Captive Care
Rating: 4 — Aquatic turtles such as the Red-eared Slider are not as easy to maintain as one might think. Water tends to get foul quickly without the aid of a powerful filter and adults require a large enclosure. Furthermore, as you can see from the distribution information these turtles have been introduced all over the world because of irresponsible pet owners. Not recommended for small children.
Diet: Juveniles - crickets, meal worms, wax worms, small fish, and turtle pellets; Adults - crickets, meal worms, wax worms, fish, turtle pellets, and the occasional pink mouse. Leafy greens (dandelion, endive, swiss chard, carrots, etc.)
Temperature: Water temperature 15oC to 20 o C (64-75 F) and basking area temperatures up to 25oC (84o).
Space: Adult can be housed in 50-100 gallon tanks but large artificial indoor or outdoor ponds are preferred. If enclosure is outdoors, ensure that no animals can get in and the turtles cannot get out.
Breeding: Red-eared Sliders were at one time mass produced in ponds in the US and shipped all over the world. Due to the problems associated with this species we do not recommend breeding this animal.
Special Requirements: Red-eared Sliders are long lived animals and should not be purchased without consideration for the considerable space, time, and monetary commitments that need to be made. Powerful filtration, UV lighting, and a varied diet are a must for this species.
Sources (Suggested Reading):
Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1996. Turtles and Tortoises. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 119.
Coburn, John. 1997. Turtles: Keeping & Breeding Them in Captivity. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 64.
Highfield, A.C. 1996. Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping and Breeding Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Carapace Press, London, England. Pp.295.