Giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis)

Short answers

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

250×120 cm with a large water section.

Giant Asian pond turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Giant Asian pond turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).

Giant Asian pond turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–60 years.

Giant Asian pond turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

33 °C

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

250×120 cm with a large water section

Substrate

Damp forest floor, a shallow water section for bathing

Feeding

Food

Mostly plant-based (greens, fruit), a little fish and snails

Feeding interval

plant food daily

Key facts

Adult size

35–48 cm

Life expectancy

40–60 years

Origin

South-East Asia

Protection status

CITES II; severely threatened

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing is the least stressful. Several animals only make sense in very large facilities: one male with several females and the option to separate the male temporarily. Two males harass each other and the females; with constant courtship a female visibly loses weight.

Notes

A very large, semi-aquatic forest turtle – the space requirement is enormous and is almost always underestimated. Only with clean proof of captive breeding.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Spiny turtle (Heosemys spinosa) – Expert
• Annam leaf turtle (Mauremys annamensis) – Intermediate
• Asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys dentata) – Intermediate
• Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Reeves' turtle (Mauremys reevesii) – Beginner
• Yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) – Intermediate
• Indian black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga) – Intermediate
• Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120 cm with a large water section), substrate (Damp forest floor, a shallow water section for bathing), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.