European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)

Short answers

European pond turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An aqua-terrarium from 150 × 60 cm for 1–3 animals; an outdoor pond is better.

European pond turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime water in summer 25–27 °C, land area around 30 °C; noticeably cooler in spring and autumn, matching the annual rhythm, basking spot 35–40 °C (basking spot), at night lowered (room or outdoor temperature).

European pond turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (basking spot).

European pond turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–70+ years.

European pond turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

water in summer 25–27 °C, land area around 30 °C; noticeably cooler in spring and autumn, matching the annual rhythm

Night temperature

lowered (room or outdoor temperature)

Basking spot

35–40 °C (basking spot)

Humidity

—

UVB

Essential (basking spot)

Enclosure

Minimum size

an aqua-terrarium from 150 × 60 cm for 1–3 animals; an outdoor pond is better

Substrate

Sand or fine gravel, dense planting, an egg-laying site

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous to omnivorous: insects, worms, fish, snails, a few water plants

Feeding interval

juveniles every 1–2 days, adults ~2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–20 cm carapace length (regionally up to 23 cm)

Life expectancy

40–70+ years

Origin

Europe, North Africa, western Asia (native)

Protection status

Strictly protected! Habitats Directive Annexes II and IV, EU Species Protection Regulation Annexes A and B, German Federal Species Protection Ordinance – registration and proof required

Brumation

Brumation is essential (October to March, 4–6 °C)

Cohabitation

A group of one male with two to three females, or females only; a single pair is more stressful for the female because the male harasses her constantly in spring. Several males together usually do not get along in a tank.

Notes

A native, strictly protected species – keep it only with unbroken proof of origin. A winter dormancy is essential, and outdoor keeping is ideal.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Ligurian pond turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica) – Intermediate
• Sicilian pond turtle (Emys trinacris) – Intermediate
• Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) – Intermediate
• Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) – Intermediate
• Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) – Intermediate
• Bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) – Expert
• Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) – Intermediate
• Wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aqua-terrarium from 150 × 60 cm for 1–3 animals; an outdoor pond is better), substrate (Sand or fine gravel, dense planting, an egg-laying site), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.