Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii)

Short answers

Murray River turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

200×80 cm aquarium.

Murray River turtle: What temperature does it need?

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

Murray River turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Murray River turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–50 years.

Murray River turtle: 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 (basking spot)

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

200×80 cm aquarium

Substrate

Water 35–55 cm deep, sand, roots, a basking spot

Feeding

Food

Fish, insects, water plants, pellets

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–35 cm

Life expectancy

30–50 years

Origin

Eastern Australia – the Murray-Darling system

Protection status

Export from Australia is prohibited – only European captive-bred animals

Brumation

A cooler spell in winter

Cohabitation

Keeping singly or as a group with plenty of space. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship pressure a female visibly loses weight. One male to several females, and plan in a separation option.

Notes

A large, very active aquatic turtle with a strong need to swim – tank length matters more than water depth. Strong filtration is needed, as the animals eat and defecate copiously.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa) – Intermediate
• African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) – Beginner to intermediate
• Argentine snake-necked turtle (Hydromedusa tectifera) – Intermediate
• Eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) – Intermediate
• Gibba turtle (Mesoclemmys gibba) – Intermediate
• Matamata (Chelus fimbriata) – Expert
• Hilaire's toadhead turtle (Phrynops hilarii) – Intermediate
• Northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×80 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 35–55 cm deep, sand, roots, 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.