Ligurian pond turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica)

Short answers

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

150×60 cm aqua-terrarium or a garden pond.

Ligurian pond turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–27 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 14–19 °C.

Ligurian pond turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Ligurian pond turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–70 years.

Ligurian pond turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–27 °C

Night temperature

14–19 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

Aquatic with a land section

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×60 cm aqua-terrarium or a garden pond

Substrate

A water section 25–40 cm deep, a sandy bank for egg-laying, a basking spot

Feeding

Food

Fish, snails, insects, water plants

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

14–20 cm

Life expectancy

40–70 years

Origin

Northern Italy, southern France

Protection status

STRICTLY protected (Habitats Directive Annexes II and IV, German Federal Species Protection Ordinance) – registration required, proof of origin mandatory

Brumation

A winter rest of 12–16 weeks at 4–8 °C

Cohabitation

Keep singly or as 1.2 (one male with two females). Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses weight. So one male to several females - and plan for the option to separate the male at times.

Notes

The Mediterranean subspecies of the European pond turtle, usually more brightly spotted. Keep the subspecies strictly separate – mixing devalues conservation breeding. Note the registration requirement with the conservation authority.

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) – 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 Ligurian pond turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×60 cm aqua-terrarium or a garden pond), substrate (A water section 25–40 cm deep, a sandy bank for egg-laying, 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.