The Growth Of Reeve's Turtles: Maximum Size Explained

The Reeves turtle, also known as the Chinese pond turtle, is a popular pet choice for beginners due to its small size, friendly personality, and low-maintenance care requirements. But how big can a Reeves turtle get?

Reeves turtles are the smallest member of the genus Mauremys

Reeves turtles, or Mauremys reevesii, are the smallest member of the genus Mauremys. They are native to East Asia, with their range extending across central and eastern China, as well as North and South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. They are semi-aquatic, and in the wild, they inhabit slow-moving or still waters, such as lakes, ponds, and small streams. They can also be found in swamps, marshes, and even flooded rice paddies.

Reeves turtles are popular pets due to their small size and friendly personalities. They are known for their inquisitive and active nature, exploring the depths of their enclosures and drying off on their basking spots. These turtles are not strong swimmers, so shallow water is recommended. The water should be deep enough for the turtle to turn around and avoid drowning, and the turtle should be able to climb, rather than swim, to the surface.

The average adult size of a Reeves turtle is around 4.5 to 9 inches in length, with females typically being larger than males. The potential full size varies, with some forms being about 4.5 inches long, while others can reach up to 12 inches. Captive-bred turtles tend to have an average length of about 6 inches.

The shell of a Reeves turtle is typically rectangular, with three keels that run down the length of it. The carapace can vary in colour, ranging from olive green to tan or black, with subtle smudging that provides a bit of contrast. The plastron is usually cream-coloured or tan, with dark brown or grey flecked markings. The skin of the turtle is similar in colour to its carapace, with yellow stripes creating patterns on the head and neck.

Reeves turtles are omnivores and are not picky eaters. They can be fed a variety of commercial pellets, insects, worms, fish, aquatic plants, fruits, and leafy greens. They are known to breed readily in captivity and are a common species in the pet trade.

The average adult male size is 4.5 to 6 inches

The average adult male Reeve's turtle measures between 4.5 and 6 inches (11.5 to 15 cm) in length. This makes them the smallest member of the Mauremys genus. Reeve's turtles are native to East and Southeast Asia, and their range extends from southeastern mainland China to Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong. They are a semi-aquatic species, and their natural habitat includes the quiet, shallow waters of canals, swamps, ponds, and weeded riverbanks.

Reeve's turtles are not strong swimmers, so it is important to provide them with a suitable environment that allows easy access to land. In captivity, a single adult Reeve's turtle will require a "long-style" 20-30 gallon aquarium, with more space being preferable. The water depth should be at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle's carapace, but no more than three times as long. For example, a 6-inch turtle should have a water depth between 9 and 18 inches. The water temperature should be maintained between 70-80°F (21-26.5°C), and the ambient air temperature should be between 75-85°F (24-29.5°C).

Reeve's turtles are omnivores and have a varied diet, including fish, frogs, insects, crayfish, plants, and fruits. In captivity, they can be fed commercial turtle pellets, insects, worms, aquatic plants, and leafy greens. It is important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Reeve's turtles have a calm and trusting demeanor and are active and responsive in captivity. They can be kept as pets, but handling should be kept to a minimum as they are not domesticated animals that thrive on human affection. Overall, Reeve's turtles are a great choice for those interested in keeping turtles as pets, especially for beginners due to their small size, interesting personality, and low-maintenance care requirements.

The average adult female size is 4.5 to 9 inches

The Reeves Turtle, also known as the Chinese Pond Turtle, is a popular pet choice, especially for beginners. They are the smallest member of the Mauremys genus, with females reaching larger sizes than males. The average adult female size is 4.5 to 9 inches, with males typically measuring between 4.5 and 6 inches.

Reeves Turtles are native to East and Central China, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. They can be found in still or slow-moving waters, such as small streams, ponds, and lakes with plenty of vegetation and soft substrates. They have also been spotted in marshes, swamps, and even flooded rice paddies.

In captivity, these turtles can be kept in a tank with a land and water area. The water depth should be at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle to prevent drowning. A single adult turtle will require a 20-30 gallon aquarium, with more space being preferable. The water temperature should be maintained between 70-80°F, while the air temperature should be between 75-85°F. A basking area with a temperature of 85-95°F is necessary, as these turtles need access to UVB light and heat to stay healthy.

Reeves Turtles are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants and animals. In the wild, they feed on small amphibians, fish, insects, worms, and aquatic plants. In captivity, they can be fed commercial turtle pellets, crickets, bloodworms, earthworms, aquatic insects, feeder fish, fruits, and leafy greens.

Overall, Reeves Turtles are active, inquisitive, and have friendly personalities, making them a great pet choice for beginners and experienced turtle enthusiasts alike.

Reeves turtles are semi-aquatic and prefer still or slow-moving water

In captivity, Reeves turtles require a tank-like enclosure with a land area for basking. The water depth should be no less than 1.5 times the length of the turtle's carapace, but no more than three times as long. For example, a 6-inch turtle should have a water depth between 9 and 18 inches. The water portion should be deep enough to prevent the turtle from getting stuck upside down and drowning, but shallow enough for the turtle to climb out and bask on dry land.

Reeves turtles are native to eastern and central China, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. They have also been introduced to the USA and Canada. In their native habitat, they prefer quiet, shallow waters and are often found in canals, swamps, ponds, and weeded riverbanks.

These semi-aquatic turtles are messy feeders and produce a lot of waste. Therefore, their enclosure requires a powerful filtration system to maintain water quality. Regular partial water changes and tank cleaning are also necessary to provide a healthy environment for Reeves turtles.

Overall, Reeves turtles are adaptable and can be housed in various enclosures, such as stock tanks, glass aquariums, plastic totes, and garden ponds. They can be kept indoors or outdoors, but adequate protection from predators and escape prevention measures should be in place.

They are native to Asia and have spread across China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam

The Reeves turtle (Mauremys reevesii) is native to East Asia. Its range extends across central and eastern China, as well as North and South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. In their native regions, Reeves turtles inhabit slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, rivers, and streams. They may also be found in wetland habitats like marshes and rice paddies, especially when these areas flood.

Reeves turtles have been introduced to Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, where they have established themselves as invasive species. In Japan, the species was likely introduced from the Korean Peninsula in the 18th century.

The species is semi-aquatic and can often be found basking on rocks or logs outside of the water. They are lively and curious, with a friendly nature, and are not known to bite. They are popular pets due to their small size, active nature, and low-maintenance care requirements.

Reeves turtles have a wide range of potential adult sizes, with males typically growing to 12-15 cm (4.5-6 inches) and females reaching 18-22 cm (7-9 inches). However, their size can vary depending on the conditions in which they are kept.

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