Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica)

Short answers

Caspian turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A 130×50×50 cm aqua-terrarium (water ~30 cm deep) per adult animal.

Caspian turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C (water, summer), basking spot 35–42 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Caspian turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Caspian turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: over 50 years is possible.

Caspian turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C (water, summer)

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

35–42 °C

Humidity

— (aquatic)

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size

a 130×50×50 cm aqua-terrarium (water ~30 cm deep) per adult animal

Substrate

Sand or fine gravel in the water; a sand mound or land section for egg-laying

Feeding

Food

A mixed feeder: fish, snails, aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans; on the plant side elodea, hornwort and duckweed, a little carrot; pellets only rarely

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily

Key facts

Adult size

20–25 cm shell length (females larger)

Life expectancy

over 50 years is possible

Origin

South-eastern Europe (the Balkans), the Caucasus, Asia Minor to Iran and Iraq, the Near East

Protection status

Not listed under CITES/the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation - keeping it generally has no registration requirement. (Bern Convention Annex II; some sources mistakenly cite Habitats Directive protection - that actually applies to M. leprosa or Emys.) IUCN: Least Concern/Near Threatened.

Brumation

Yes – a winter rest from about December to February at ~10 °C (with the water level reduced to 10–20 cm), for about 2–3 months; it benefits health and reproduction.

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is recommended; territorial. In large enclosures a group of females may be possible; the males harass the females – never two males together.

Notes

A robust, long-lived aquatic turtle, suitable for ambitious beginners. It needs strong filtration and a basking spot to dry off. Common mistakes: too small a tank, no winter rest, and no UVB. The final size is underestimated.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Annam leaf turtle (Mauremys annamensis) – Intermediate
• Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) – Intermediate
• Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Reeves' turtle (Mauremys reevesii) – Beginner
• Yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) – Intermediate
• Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) – Intermediate
• Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) – Intermediate
• Black-breasted leaf turtle (Mauremys nigricans) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a 130×50×50 cm aqua-terrarium (water ~30 cm deep) per adult animal), substrate (Sand or fine gravel in the water; a sand mound or land section for egg-laying), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.