D'Orbigny's slider (Trachemys dorbigni)

Short answers

D'Orbigny's slider: How big does the enclosure need to be?

200×80 cm aquarium.

D'Orbigny's slider: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

D'Orbigny's slider: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

D'Orbigny's slider: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–40 years.

D'Orbigny's slider: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

200×80 cm aquarium

Substrate

Water 35–50 cm deep, sand, a basking spot

Feeding

Food

Fish, insects, water plants, pellets

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–30 cm

Life expectancy

30–40 years

Origin

Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

Protection status

EU: Trachemys species are on the Union list of invasive alien species - trade and breeding are heavily restricted or banned. Note the grandfathering rules protecting existing animals.

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks

Cohabitation

Solitary housing is the simplest option. A 1,2 trio (one male, two females) is also possible, with the option to separate the male temporarily during constant courtship - two males otherwise harass each other and the females.

Notes

IMPORTANT: Trachemys species fall under EU invasive-species law – check the current legal position without fail before acquiring or passing one on. Keeping existing animals is possible under grandfathering.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for D'Orbigny's slider (Trachemys dorbigni) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) – Intermediate
• Yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) – Beginner to intermediate
• Mexican slider (Trachemys cataspila) – Intermediate
• Mesoamerican slider (Trachemys venusta) – Intermediate
• Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) – Beginner to intermediate
• Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra) – Intermediate
• Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) – Intermediate
• False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep D'Orbigny's slider (Trachemys dorbigni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×80 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 35–50 cm deep, sand, a basking spot), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.