River cooter (Pseudemys concinna)

Short answers

River cooter: How big does the enclosure need to be?

200×80 cm aquarium.

River cooter: What temperature does it need?

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

River cooter: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

River cooter: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–40 years.

River cooter: 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

Humidity

Aquatic

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

200×80 cm aquarium

Substrate

Water 35–50 cm deep, sand, a basking spot

Feeding

Food

Mostly water plants and greens

Feeding interval

plant food daily

Key facts

Adult size

25–37 cm

Life expectancy

30–40 years

Origin

The south-eastern USA

Protection status

Observe EU trade restrictions

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks

Cohabitation

Solitary housing is the simplest option. A 1,2 trio (one male, two females) is also possible, with the option to separate the male temporarily during constant courtship - two males otherwise harass each other and the females.

Notes

Like P. nelsoni, mainly plant-eating and large-growing. The space requirement of adult animals is regularly underestimated at purchase.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for River cooter (Pseudemys concinna) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana) – Intermediate
• Florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) – Intermediate
• Peninsula cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis) – Intermediate
• Red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris) – Intermediate
• Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra) – Intermediate
• Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) – Intermediate
• Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) – Intermediate
• D'Orbigny's slider (Trachemys dorbigni) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep River cooter (Pseudemys concinna) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×80 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 35–50 cm deep, sand, 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.