Twist-necked turtle (Platemys platycephala)

Short answers

Twist-necked turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60 cm aqua-terrarium.

Twist-necked turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 21–24 °C.

Twist-necked turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Twist-necked turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 25–40 years.

Twist-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

21–24 °C

Basking spot

30 °C

Humidity

Semi-aquatic, 80–90 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60 cm aqua-terrarium

Substrate

A shallow water section (5–15 cm), leaf litter, a damp land section

Feeding

Food

Earthworms, snails, insects, fish

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

14–18 cm

Life expectancy

25–40 years

Origin

The Amazon and Guyana – forest pools

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping singly, or a pair if the male can be removed as soon as it harasses the female - a second enclosure should be planned for. Particular caution is warranted with this species, since males can bite and squirt water at females during courtship.

Notes

Very flat-bodied; it lives in shallow forest pools rather than deep water – it swims badly. Keep the water level low, otherwise there is a risk of drowning.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• 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
• Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) – Intermediate
• Northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Twist-necked turtle (Platemys platycephala) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (A shallow water section (5–15 cm), leaf litter, a damp land section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.