Yellow-headed box turtle (Cuora aurocapitata)

Short answers

Yellow-headed box turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60 cm aqua-terrarium.

Yellow-headed box turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Yellow-headed box turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6 %).

Yellow-headed box turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–60 years.

Yellow-headed box turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

30 °C

Humidity

Semi-aquatic, 75–90 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60 cm aqua-terrarium

Substrate

A water section 15–25 cm deep, a damp land section, dense planting

Feeding

Food

Snails, earthworms, fish, water plants

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

13–17 cm

Life expectancy

40–60 years

Origin

Eastern China (Anhui)

Protection status

CITES I / EU Annex A – sale only with a valid EU commercial-use certificate; IUCN "Critically Endangered"

Brumation

A cool rest period of 8–12 weeks

Cohabitation

Solitary housing is the simplest option. A pair is possible if the male can be removed once he starts harassing the female during courtship - a second tank should be part of the plan; keepers with more space put one male with several females so courtship is spread out.

Notes

A brilliant yellow head, and one of the most sought-after and expensive turtles there is – which is exactly why it is all but wiped out in the wild. Buy only with unbroken paperwork.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Yellow-headed box turtle (Cuora aurocapitata) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) – Intermediate
• Bourret's box turtle (Cuora bourreti) – Expert
• Yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) – Intermediate
• Chinese three-striped box turtle (Cuora trifasciata) – Expert
• Hainan box turtle (Cuora hainanensis) – Expert
• McCord's box turtle (Cuora mccordi) – Expert
• Pan's box turtle (Cuora pani) – Expert
• Southern Vietnam box turtle (Cuora picturata) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Yellow-headed box turtle (Cuora aurocapitata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (A water section 15–25 cm deep, a damp land section, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.