Red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa)

Short answers

Red-bellied short-necked turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×60 cm aquarium.

Red-bellied short-necked turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 35 °C (basking spot), at night 20–23 °C.

Red-bellied short-necked turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).

Red-bellied short-necked turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–40 years.

Red-bellied short-necked turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

35 °C (basking spot)

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Essential (UVB 6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×60 cm aquarium

Substrate

Water 30–45 cm deep, sand, roots, a basking spot

Feeding

Food

Fish, insects, water plants, pellets

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–26 cm

Life expectancy

30–40 years

Origin

New Guinea, northern Australia

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

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 colourful, easily kept side-necked turtle. Mainly aquatic; it needs clear water with good filtration and a dry basking spot.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) – 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 Red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×60 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 30–45 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.