Turtle - body structure, habitat, diet, house maintenance, reproduction, care + 80 photos

The turtle is a representative of the class of reptiles. The main feature of the animal is the presence of a shell. This element protects him from enemy attacks.

The shell is very durable and covers both the back and abdomen.

Some species of turtles can reach a body weight of more than 900 kilograms, and the weight of the smallest representatives of the species is no more than 125 grams.

Knobby humpback

In the fresh lakes and rivers of the states of Alabama and Mississippi there lives an unusual and beautiful turtle that does not grow more than 20 centimeters.

Its distinctive feature is the original shape of the shell, which has several spikes. In addition, the shell is hemispherical, which gives the turtle a slight humpback.

Nature has rewarded her with such a shell, since the cute turtle cannot retract her head, and the spines remain the only means of protection from enemies.

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How to tame a Central Asian turtle

Reptiles do not easily adapt to new conditions and often experience severe stress. They lose their appetite, often hide their heads and show minimal activity. It often takes more than one month for a turtle to get used to people and housing. The owner can speed up this process by doing the following:

• feeding your pet a nutritious and tasty dish of fresh salad, grated fruits - pears, bananas, apples, persimmons, pieces of carrots with vanilla, will definitely awaken the reptile's appetite;
• organizing a bath with warm water - the procedure helps to relax the animal and also improves digestion.

Prickly

One of the rarest species, found only in certain areas of Southeast Asia. You can meet this turtle in the wetlands of tropical rainforests.

What makes it unusual is the unusual shape of its shell. The outer shields protrude far to the side, thus forming protective spikes. Yes, and there are small shoots on the back.

The spiny turtle feeds exclusively on berries and earthworms. In captivity, it can also eat pieces of meat, becoming truly omnivorous.

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Types of pet turtles

Speaking about these representatives, we will sometimes return to the types listed above, supplementing the previous description with the conditions of keeping the house. Pets are also easier to divide into land and freshwater. The most popular types of domestic turtles are:

Land pet turtles

1. Central Asian (steppe) tortoise. Many people like to have it at home. It is these turtles that we often see among our friends and acquaintances. They are compact and not afraid to be held. They move very slowly, lightly tapping their claws.

They are already listed in the Red Book, but are found on sale quite often. The most acceptable conditions for them are dry heat. Their terrarium should be approximately 24-30ºС, always fresh water. Try to let your pets go for a walk; they really don’t like confined spaces. They might even get sick.

2. Mediterranean (Caucasian, Greek) turtle. The best keeping temperature is 25-30ºС. The basis of the diet is vegetable. Once a month you can give protein foods - earthworms, slugs, grasshoppers. It does not require regular drinking; there is no need to add water. She can spill it, and excess moisture is harmful to her.

3. Balkan tortoise. To maintain a house, she needs a daytime temperature of 26-32ºС, at night 5-7 degrees lower. It feeds mainly on plant foods, but can swallow both invertebrates and a piece of meat. It is kept in dry terrariums; incubation of eggs lasts 53-92 days. In winter, they need to hibernate at a temperature of 10ºC and air humidity of about 80%.

4. Egyptian turtles. It is necessary to maintain the temperature in the terrarium at 24-30ºС. They have a peculiar behavior: at the slightest danger, they try to bury themselves in sand or soft earth. This must be taken into account when choosing soil for maintenance.

Freshwater pet turtles

1. The red-eared turtle is the leader in the popularity of home keeping among aquatic turtles. Many people are happy to display it in the aquarium. As we have already said, it has distinctive red spots in the eye area, and these turtles are also called decorated, because their entire shell and protruding parts of the body are intricately lined. For comfort, they need an aquarium with an artificial shore. The water temperature should be 22-28ºС, air temperature – 20-32ºС.

2. European marsh turtle. To keep it, an aquarium with a bank and shallow water is desirable. She is active in the morning and during the day, and sleeps on the bottom at night. Sometimes it is necessary to install an additional safety lamp in order to maintain the light regime. It prefers water temperatures up to 25ºС, air temperatures up to 30ºС.

3. Caspian turtle. Their carapace is oval-shaped, small (up to 25 cm) and marsh-colored with sunny stripes; the same lines adorn the entire body. Sexual deformity is expressed by a concave shell in boys, as well as a thick and long tail. Girls have a shorter tail and a slightly convex carapace.

They chose to live in the south of Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the countries of the Middle East. Most often they are seen in the Caspian Sea area. It is interesting that they can swim in both river and slightly brackish water, slightly mixed with sea water.

The main thing is that there is vegetation nearby. In addition, they are also steeplejacks and can climb up to 1.8 km up the mountain. They like an ambient temperature of 30-32 ºС, but prefer cool water - 18-22 ºС.

4. Chinese trionix (Far Eastern tortoise). An amazing creature with a soft, leathery shell. She has neither a carapace nor a plastron, the general color of the body is gray-green, only the belly is pinkish. There is a proboscis on its muzzle, and it hides its head in something like a collar. There are three toes on the paws. She has a rather bad character.

She moves quickly, has sharp cutting teeth, can be aggressive and can bite in a very painful way. In addition, it is difficult to tame. Their habitat is Southeast Asia and nearby islands.

In Russia it is found in the Far East. Loves slow rivers and any other bodies of water with a quiet current. A very valuable meat, in the East it is served as a delicacy. Comfortable water temperature up to 26 degrees.

And finally, some species of small turtles. These pets can be ideal for those whose living conditions do not allow for a large aquarium. Sometimes an old boot box is enough for landlubber babies. And for aquatic people - a small aquarium, like for fish. They can only grow up to 13 cm, are unpretentious, very funny and cute. These turtles include:

• flat turtles (size 6-8 cm, weight 100-170g), herbivores;
• trailing turtles (size 7.5-13 cm);
• silt musk (size up to 10 cm), live in the aquarium;
• spotted (size 7.5-13 cm), they are half-terrestrial, and they need a terrarium with a pool.
• Chinese three-keeled (up to 13 cm). Very unpretentious, slow and calm babies.

All freshwater turtles need an aquarium with a small area of ​​improvised dry land. More precisely, you need water, land and shallow water. The last zone is needed for thermoregulation. The land should be made with a slight slope towards the water from a sufficiently rough material to make it easier for them to climb on.

They also need proper nutrition and cleanliness in the container. Before choosing your pet, we advise you to carefully consider the above types of turtles in the photo. Sometimes appearance can play a decisive role in your choice!

Leatherback turtle

Photo above: A baby leatherback turtle just hatched from its egg. In the photo below: Adult

In many popular tourist destinations you can swim next to these amazing animals and you are sure to get a lot of positive emotions. They are so unusual that they have a leather shell rather than a hard bone shell.

This turtle seems very cute, but only until you look into its mouth.

In the photo: in the mouth of a leatherback turtle

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Features of reproduction

The peak mating season is determined by the habitat of the animals. Males actively fight for a place next to the female. Having won, the male begins to court the female - they sing serenades, establish tactile contact with the chosen one.

Next, the female hides in a hole and lays eggs. Their number can reach more than 150 units.

The incubation period lasts up to three months. These animals are solitary; they only need a pair for reproduction. They winter in groups.

Mata-mata

The Mata Mata (Chelus fimbriatus) has a unique and unusual appearance that makes the animal a master of camouflage. They live in the silty waters of South America.

Due to its unusualness and ease of maintenance, the species is very popular among terrarium enthusiasts.

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Soft-shelled Chinese

One can argue about the beauty of this species, but the fact that it is one of the most unusual is indisputable.

What distinguishes the inhabitant of China and other Asian countries from its relatives is its soft shell. Surprisingly, breathing with its lungs, this turtle can stay under water for a long time.

Scientists have not yet figured out how she manages this, but they recently learned another feature of hers - they urinate through the mouth.

By the way, on our website most-beauty.ru you can see other equally strange and unusual animals on the planet.

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Types of sea turtles

Sea dwellers are usually much larger than their land-based relatives. They are more common in the tropics and are more comfortable in warm water. In cold northern latitudes they are very rare. According to scientists who studied fossil remains, they have remained virtually unchanged for many millions of years.

They are characterized by well-developed front paws, which they use as flippers. Their hind legs practically do not help them swim. Their limbs do not retract into the shell. By the way, several species of marine reptiles do not have a shell at all, for example, the leatherback turtle. In the water element they are extremely mobile, and they develop exceptional speed, are very dexterous and have excellent orientation in the sea.

The most famous species of sea turtles :

1. Leatherback turtles . The only remaining species from the entire family. They can be considered the largest of the turtle order, the size of these creatures reaches 2.6 m. Their weight reaches 900 kg, they are omnivores. In addition, they are considered to be wider than all vertebrates on Earth. These “crumbs” can bite and are so strong that they can even break bone tissue.

They do not attack humans themselves, but they show aggression if they are deliberately angered. They tell of one case when such a huge turtle attacked a small fishing boat and capsized it. True, before this it was noticed that a shark was chasing her for a long time. The fishermen were probably just on the escape route, and she mistook them for a threat.

2. Green soup sea turtles . Typically found in tropical Pacific and Atlantic latitudes. Contrary to the name, their color is not only green, but also chocolate with streaks and spots the color of egg yolk. Young individuals spend their lives in the open sea, hunting fish and other sea inhabitants. By old age, they move to land and become herbivores.

3. Loggerhead sea turtles (false sea turtles), or loggerheads. They grow to a size of 95 cm, while weighing about 200 kg. The outline of the carapace resembles a large heart, the color is soft coffee, terracotta or pistachio. The lower shield is cream or yellow. The forelimbs-flippers are equipped with a pair of claws.

The head is large, decorated with noticeable shield plates. It lives in the warm subtropical sea zone of the Earth; for nesting, it slightly expands its habitat, capturing zones with a temperate climate. The largest population is seen in the Arabian Sea on an island called Masirah.

4. Hawksbill sea turtles (true carriage turtles). They are a bit like green turtles, but they are smaller in size. Their habitat is located between the temperate climate zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They can be seen off the foggy lands of Great Britain, the rocky coasts of Scotland, in the east they are found in the Sea of ​​Japan, they have been seen in the southern cape of Africa, near Tasmania and New Zealand.

They spend their entire lives at sea, and come ashore exclusively to reproduce. Such periods occur only once every three years or so, and they undergo long migrations to swim to their native nesting sites. Recently it was noticed that they sometimes emit a glow in water (prone to fluorescence).

5. Olive or Ridley turtles . They are also lovers of warm latitudes, and also do not leave the sea all their lives. Their breeding season is very remarkable. They lay eggs once a year at the same time, all on the same day, and in the same place. They all gather on the seashore on this single day, forming a large gathering.

The Aborigines call this phenomenon the “turtle invasion.” Each of the parents carefully buries her eggs, camouflages, smoothes the surface, and tries as much as possible to make the laying site unnoticeable. Then, with a calm soul, he goes off to the open sea. And the eggs remain lying in the sand until babies begin to hatch from them.

There are a lot of eggs, but the babies have a very low survival rate. Small turtles immediately rush to the water, and on the way land predators are already waiting for them. The surviving babies dive into the saving water. And there sea predators are waiting for them. Only dozens of the hundreds of hatched babies remain. And perhaps only one in a hundred will live to see six months and return to the same shore to lay eggs themselves.

Red-bellied Shortneck

Photo credit: Petra Karstedt / wikipedia

This graceful, sleek turtle with a small head and interesting webbed feet is native to New Guinea, as well as a small region of Australia.

In the photo: Baby red-bellied short-necked turtle

We recommend watching: Amazing animals endemic to Australia.

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Habitat and behavioral characteristics

Reptiles live alone, meeting with fellow animals only to reproduce. The toad-headed subspecies reacts aggressively to its relatives during the mating season. Red-eared sliders courtship by removing algae from their partner's shell.

Life expectancy depends on where the turtle lives. Human pets live longer than wild animals. In the wild, on average, reptiles live up to 30 years. There are turtles that live in nature for a long time.

Elusor macrurus

This endangered species of turtle can only be found in one corner of the Earth. They are found in the Mary River, which flows through the expanses of Australia.

Shells come in a variety of colors and a variety of shades. What makes the head unusual is the growths under the chin, reminiscent of a small beard.

In addition, the inhabitants of river waters, being under water for so long, become overgrown with algae, which create unusual and original hairstyles on the animal’s body.

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Caring for Miniature Turtles

Semi-aquatic or aquatic pet turtles need to be in the water most of the time. Therefore, before buying a turtle, you should set up an aquaterrarium. The animal should not walk around the apartment, as it may catch a cold or get injured. If you want your reptile to live as long as possible, you need to know how to care for an aquatic turtle and what conditions are needed for comfortable keeping. A small pet turtle should feel as if it were in its natural habitat.

So, a turtle should be kept at home, adhering to the following recommendations:

1. The size of the aquarium should be 3-5 times larger than the animal itself. Reptiles love space, so the larger the turtle house, the better.
2. Only half of the terrarium needs to be filled with water; the rest of the space will be used for sushi.
3. In order for the reptile to rest on land, place large, rough stones and branches on the bottom of the aquarium under a lamp.
4. The lamp should be ultraviolet, since only such lighting contributes to the proper production of calcium in the body.
5. You can pour fine sand on the bottom, but then changing the water will be more difficult.
6. The water temperature should be about 25 degrees, on land at least 28 degrees.
7. Change the water once a week. Before the procedure, it is important to wash your hands with soap to avoid infection.
8. Decorate the aquarium with artificial plants on the bottom, and live aquatic plants can float on the surface of the water, which can serve as additional food.

There is no need to install a food bowl so as not to spoil the water with rotting food that the animal will not finish. It is better to place the turtle in a bowl each time and feed it in it.

If you set up your terrarium according to these recommendations, believe me, your little aquarium turtle will be grateful to you. She will be mobile, will not get sick, and will delight you with her presence in your home for many years.

Eastern Longneck

In the lakes of Africa and in some eastern regions of the United States you can find a turtle that has the longest neck of the entire turtle family.

From a distance it looks very much like a snake, if not for the shell. And she hunts like a snake, sharply straightening her neck towards the prey. It can also bite a person if it considers that he is dangerous.

These are relatively small beautiful turtles, adults of which do not exceed 10–15 centimeters in length.

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Where does the red-eared turtle live?

Photo: Little red-eared turtle

Habitats are in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico, as well as in the warm climate of the southeastern United States. Their home territories range from southeastern Colorado to Virginia and Florida. In the wild, red-eared turtles inhabit areas with sources of calm, warm water: ponds, lakes, swamps, streams and slow-moving rivers.

They live where they can easily get out of the water, climb onto rocks or tree trunks to warm themselves in the sun. They often sunbathe in a group or even on each other. These turtles in the wild always stay close to water unless they are searching for new habitat or laying eggs.

Due to their popularity as pets, red whales have been released or escaped into the wild in many parts of the world. Wild populations are now found in Australia, Europe, Great Britain, South Africa, the Caribbean, Israel, Bahrain, the Mariana Islands, Guam, and Southeast and Far East Asia.

An invasive species has a negative impact on the ecosystems it occupies because it has certain advantages over native inhabitants, such as a lower age at maturity and higher fertility rates. They transmit diseases and displace other turtle species with which they compete for food and breeding space.

Indian lobed

Another representative of the tortoiseshell family, which, in case of danger, not only retracts its head, but also closes the front and rear flaps of the shell.

The inhabitant of freshwater bodies of India, Burma and Pakistan feeds on frogs, and can eat small mice, fish and tadpoles.

Because of its tasty meat, locals are happy to include it in their diet, but its catch is strictly limited.

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Diet

What do turtles eat? The basis of the diet is directly determined by the type and place of residence of the animals.

Land species prefer plant foods, shoots of trees and bushes, fruits and vegetables, grass and mushrooms. But in order to maintain the balance of protein structures in the body, they can eat worms and snails.

The need for moisture is met with the help of succulent young plants, but if possible, they will happily splash around in the water.

Freshwater and marine species are predators. The basis of their diet is small fish, frogs, snails, mussels, shrimp, squid, bird eggs, insects, and mollusks. At the same time, they eat plants. Most representatives of reptiles are omnivores.

Magnificent forest

The very bright color of the reptile attracts the attention of terrariumists, so the magnificent one can be found not only in the forests of Central America, but also in terrariums around the world.

The species received this name due to the unusual color of the shell. Each costal scute has red and yellow spots with a dark border, and the marginal scutes have light rings.

The omnivorous turtle includes both plant and animal foods in its diet.

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Types of turtles

At the moment, there are about 328 species of these reptiles, they make up 14 families. A distinctive feature of the overwhelming majority of turtles is the presence of a shell consisting of a carapace (dorsal shield) and plastron (abdominal shield), movably connected to each other. These scutes are hard horny tissue, they are very durable and successfully protect the reptile from enemies and unexpected troubles.

Actually, the very name “turtle” explains to us that the animal has a peculiarity in its appearance - its shell looks like a shard (meaning the Slavic name) or a tile (according to the Latin name “testudo”). The appearance of the turtle not only confirms its name, but also proves that it was the shell that helped it survive and survive in order to reach us from distant prehistoric times.

All turtles can be divided into 2 groups according to the method of covering their heads in the shell:

• Hidden necks fold their necks in an S shape.
• Side-necks hide their heads slightly to one side, closer to any forelimb.

The next division is easier to make according to habitat.

• Sea turtles have chosen to live in the waters of the World Ocean.
• Terrestrial turtles live on land, and they can also be divided into:
• land - those who prefer to live on solid ground;
• freshwater - they inhabit fresh water bodies: rivers, ponds and swamps.

Now that we have briefly become acquainted with the basic groups, let's try to understand them in more detail and find out the names of turtle species .

Carettochelys insculpta

The pig-nosed turtle, as this species is also called because of the unusual shape of its muzzle, is one of the most remarkable and unusual representatives of the Carettochelydidae family.

It is also distinguished from its freshwater relatives by the shape of its limbs in the form of flippers, like those of the inhabitants of the deep sea. And they are found in the rivers of Australia and New Guinea.

Due to the extinction of the species, the authorities of the states in which the turtle lives have adopted strict laws to protect and increase the population of an amazing representative of the animal world. The editors of most-beauty.ru hope for a speedy restoration of the population of these beautiful turtles.

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Appearance and features

Photo: Central Asian land turtle

As mentioned earlier, the turtle has a hard and durable shell. The animal has a hard protective shell over the entire surface of its back and belly. The shell itself consists of two parts: the carapace and the plastron. The carapace consists of an internal armor, the basis of which are bone plates, and an outer layer of horny scutes. Some species have a thick layer of skin over their armor. The plastron consists of fused abdominal ribs, sternum and clavicle.

The head of land turtles, in comparison with the body, is not very large in size and has a streamlined shape. This feature allows the animal to quickly remove it in case of danger. The neck of all types of land turtles is quite short, so the eyes are always directed downwards. Animals bite off and grind food using their beaks, which replace their teeth. The surface of the beak is usually rough with characteristic bulges that replace the animal’s teeth.

Interesting fact: Ancient turtles had real teeth, which were reduced over time.

The tongue of turtles is short and never protrudes, since its purpose is to help swallow food. Almost all species of turtles have a tail; it can be with or without a spike at the end. In times of danger, the turtle, like its head, hides it under its shell. Turtles molt periodically, although in land species the molting is not as pronounced as in their marine relatives.

Land turtles can periodically hibernate, which can last up to six months. This happens under unfavorable conditions: frost, drought. Land turtles are very clumsy and slow, for this reason, in case of danger, they do not run away, but hide in their shell. Another method of protection is sudden emptying of the bladder, which, by the way, is very spacious.

Spiny Trionix

This species of turtle lives in some areas of Central and North America. They grow up to 50 cm in length. Their populations are quite large, which allows people to obtain them as food. The meat of the thorny trionix is ​​considered a delicacy.

The animal is quite aggressive both towards its relatives and towards humans.

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Population and species status

Photo: Land turtle in nature

Only 228 species of turtles have protected status from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and 135 of them are on the verge of extinction. The most famous rare endangered species of land turtles is the Central Asian land turtle.

The main reasons that threaten the growth of the population of land turtles:

• poaching;
• agricultural activities;
• construction activities.

In addition, land turtles are very popular pets, which also does not work in their favor. After all, for this purpose, turtles are constantly caught and kept in captivity until sold, and not always in good conditions.

Turtle meat is a valuable delicacy, which is why it is popular among restaurateurs. The unpretentiousness of turtles greatly facilitates their transportation, which is why they are transported as “live canned food.” Animal shells are often used in the manufacture of various souvenirs and traditional women's hair jewelry.

Fun fact: In most states in the United States, keeping turtles as pets is legal, but not recommended. However, it is completely prohibited in Oregon. In addition, US federal law prohibits turtle racing, as well as the trade and transportation of turtles smaller than 10 cm.

Kallagur

This unusual turtle, originally from the islands of Indonesia, is unique in its biology and original appearance.

The carapace is brown with three carinae, changing color depending on the time of year. Females and males also exhibit differences in color. Because of this seasonal phenomenon, they are often called "painted" or "painted".

The head is also not without “decoration”. A bright orange stripe stretches from the tip of the nose across the entire muzzle.

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Trionix Layta

A rather large species of Trionics Lyata with a carapace from 48 to 65 centimeters, lives in the basins of some rivers in India.

The plates have small swirls and bright spots. But the head is most painted, especially in young animals. There are longitudinal dark lines on the green muzzle, yellow spots at the corners of the mouth, and the bottom of the head is a delicate cream color.

This species was discovered back in 1872, during one of the expeditions to exotic India.

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An ideal aquaterrarium for red-eared turtles

There are many requirements that should be met before a yellow-bellied turtle finds its new home, especially if the owner wants to provide the reptile with the best living conditions:

• It is better to select a long, narrow tank with low sides;
• the minimum volume of an aquaterrarium for one or two individuals is 120 liters;
• the water level corresponds to the size of the pet’s shell - this is necessary so that the reptile can roll over;
• the tank must have a shelf - flat and non-slip;
• suitable water temperature is 25°C, sushi temperature is 32°C; in order to maintain the indicators at the same level, it is recommended to equip the container with a special heating device;
• water is replaced and cleaned as needed;
• You can also equip the aquarium with a filtration system - it is better for small turtles to install an external filter, for adults - an internal one;
• it is advisable to install an ultraviolet lamp - but not lower than 25 cm from the bottom, so that the reptile does not burn its eyes;
• turtles love to bask in the sun and you can take your pet out into the sun, but start with short, 5-7 minute sunbathing. Gradually, the time of procedures is allowed to increase;
• the tank should have a secluded, dark area where the reptile can hide to avoid overheating.

Geoclemys hamiltonii

Due to its unusual color, the black spotted pond turtle, which lives in the countries of Southeast Asia, is one of the most beautiful on Earth.

The carapace, with three keels with small teeth, is black with many light spots. The skin on the paws and head has the same original color as the carapace.

The beautiful turtle is a predator and feeds on snails, fish, and amphibians. Occasionally it can eat algae.

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What does the red-eared slider eat?

Photo: Red-eared turtle boy

The red-eared slider has an omnivorous diet. They need abundant aquatic vegetation, as this is the main food of adults. Turtles do not have teeth, but instead have jagged and sharp horny ridges on their upper and lower jaws.

The animal's menu includes:

• aquatic insects;
• worms;
• crickets;
• snails;
• small fish,
• frog eggs,
• tadpoles,
• water snakes,
• various algae.

Adults tend to be more herbivorous than juveniles. When young, the red-eared turtle is a predator, feeding on insects, worms, tadpoles, small fish and even carrion. Adults are more inclined to a vegetarian diet, but do not refuse meat if they can get it.

Interesting fact! Sex in turtles is determined during the embryogenesis phase and depends on the incubation temperature. These reptiles lack sex chromosomes that determine sex. Eggs that are incubated at 22 - 27°C become only males, and eggs that are incubated at higher temperatures become females.

These reptiles are highly adaptable to their environment and can adapt to anything from brackish waters to man-made canals and urban ponds. The red-eared slider can wander away from water and survive cold winters. Once available habitat is found, the species quickly colonizes the new area.

Vulture turtle

These terrifying turtles can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh up to 60 kg. They live mostly in the Mississippi River basin. They feed on small fish.

Having caught one, you need to be careful; the turtle can painfully bite the offender.

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Types of freshwater turtles

They are a very spacious family. It includes 31 genera and, as already mentioned, 85 species. They are most often small in size, with a low round or oval carapace. Their paws are capable of swimming thanks to the membranes between the toes, on which very sharp claws are located.

They have smooth skin on the top of their heads; there are scutes or scales only on the back of the head. They often have very elegant and unusual coloring of the shell and protruding parts of the body. They are quite widespread, living on all continents except Australia. There are two basic areas of their habitat.

The more ancient one originates from Southeast Asia. Approximately 20 genera may claim this region as their homeland. Another branch originates from North America, from where 8 genera of these reptiles originated. Mostly they choose reservoirs with quiet, stagnant movement.

They are agile in the water and relatively agile on land. Omnivorous. Some of them eventually became land animals, which changed their appearance and behavior. Among reptiles with a mixed diet, most likely even carnivores, there are absolute vegetarians.

Introducing some types of aquatic turtles :

1. European marsh turtle . There are 13 known subspecies of this reptile. The carapace can be up to 35 cm in size, marsh color, to match the environment. The shape is usually oval, slightly raised, the surface is smooth. The ventral shield is yellowish. Bright yellow specks are scattered throughout the body and on the shell.

She has a very elongated tail; in mature turtles it reaches up to ¾ of the length of the carapace, and in young turtles it is almost the same as it. It weighs up to 1.5 kg. Loves various stagnant bodies of water, or those with a slow flow. It lives almost everywhere in Europe, hence the name. In addition, you can see it in the north of the African continent.

2. Red-eared turtles . They live in different parts of the world with a subtropical climate, except Australia. In Europe they chose the center and south, in Africa - the north, in Asia they live in the south and east. They also settled in North America. The name was given because of the red elongated spots from the eyes to the back of the head.

Although some species of red-eared turtles are distinguished by other colors of these spots. For example, the Cumberland tortoise's are lemon-colored, while the yellow-bellied tortoise's are sunny yellow. Their shell is oval, brown in color with ocher (yellow) mountain ash and a border along the edge.

Its size is 18-30 cm, in young people the color of spring grass, becoming darker over the years. Males differ from females in their larger and more massive tail, as well as in the size of their nail plates. There are about 15 species of red-eared turtles.

Interesting! Among the red-eared turtles, there are representatives living in the UK, one might say that this is one of the northernmost species in terms of territory of residence.

This family of red-eared turtles was noticed by me in the city of Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Territory

3. Soft-bodied turtles . They look like alien monsters, some kind of symbiosis of man and reptile. They have a soft shell but very strong teeth and are aggressive. The most dangerous of them is considered to be the Kandor tortoise in China. This predator hides in the sand while hunting, then jumps up sharply and grabs the prey with sharp teeth.

People also need to be careful with them, although these reptiles are rare and are considered endangered. Trionics is one of the most prominent representatives of this variety. On the territory of the Russian Federation, it lives in the Amur region.

There lies the northern boundary of its habitat. It is also found in Japan, Eastern China, Korea, and the Taiwan Islands. Introduced to Hawaii. A nocturnal and twilight hunter, during the daytime it rests, basking on the sunny shore. Predator, catches fish and invertebrates.

4. Big-headed turtle . This bizarre creature has a long tail, like a snake. Lives and hunts in the rivers of Southeast Asia. Does not retract its large head under the cover of its shell. He is the owner of strong and strong jaws, which he uses without hesitation when threatened.

In nature, it is advisable not to get close to it; it can crush bones with its bite. She also climbs trees, on which she can sit for a long time like a large bird.

5. Mata mata fringed turtle . A freshwater representative classified as a monotypic species. She is very ugly, if you can say so about a living creature. She lives in rivers in northern South America, mainly in the Amazon, and can really scare a person and even harm him. She has a long neck, like a snake, two sharp plates in her mouth, like fused human teeth, and she is carnivorous. When preparing to hunt, it perfectly camouflages itself as a snag or a moss-covered tree trunk.

There is another group of turtles that is unofficially identified. Nevertheless, it is very interesting for lovers of these unpretentious animals.

Leopard tortoise

In the photo you see a baby leopard tortoise. This is a very common species of turtle throughout the African continent. They can be found almost everywhere: from deserts and savannas to mountainous areas.

Adults grow up to 70 cm in length, making them the second largest turtles on the continent.

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How to keep it in an apartment

The basis of the diet of those turtles that live in an apartment is juicy leaves of vegetables and flowers (dandelion), apples, cucumbers, beets and tomatoes.

To compensate for the lack of protein structures, you need to feed the animal with boiled bird eggs, and if necessary, include supplements and vitamins in the daily menu.

• Detailed description with photos of all animals included in the Red Book of Russia

• Zebra - habitats, appearance, diet and behavior, life cycle + 94 photos

• Leopard - habitats, life cycle, rutting season and lifespan + 118 photos

When keeping aquatic species, the menu includes dried daphnia, bloodworms, earthworms, aquarium fish, small insects, and algae.

The turtle's lifestyle requires moderation in diet. Young individuals need to be fed in the morning and evening, and adults - once a day, no more often. Unloading should be done weekly.