The Maximum Size Of Pink-Bellied Turtles Explained

The pink-bellied side-necked turtle, also known as the red-bellied short-necked turtle, is a captivating species of freshwater turtle. With their distinctive pink or red plastrons, these turtles are a favourite among reptile enthusiasts. But how big can they get?

Pink belly turtles can grow up to 10 inches long

Pink belly turtles, or Emydura subglobosa, are native to the tropical regions of Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are a captivating species of freshwater turtles known for their distinctive pink or reddish plastrons (bellies). These turtles are popular pets due to their docile temperament and relatively low maintenance, making them ideal for beginner reptile keepers.

One of the most striking features of pink belly turtles is their vibrant pink bellies, which contrast beautifully with their dark-coloured shells. Their shells are typically flat and range in colour from green to brown, with some individuals having a very light tan or even black shell. They also have two bright yellow stripes running along their cheeks.

In terms of size, pink belly turtles can grow up to 10 inches long. Male turtles are generally smaller, ranging from 5 to 7 inches in length, while females can reach sizes of 10 to 16 inches in extreme cases. It is important to note that pink belly turtles have a unique ability to retract their necks sideways into their shells when they feel threatened, rather than withdrawing their heads straight back like most other turtle species.

In the wild, these turtles are skilled hunters and feed on small fish, aquatic plants, insects, and other invertebrates. As pets, they can be fed a variety of commercial turtle pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen prey. They are omnivores and require a balanced diet of plant and animal matter.

The lifespan of pink belly turtles is quite impressive, with proper care, they can live for several decades. In captivity, their average lifespan is between 30 to 50 years, but some individuals may even exceed this, making them a long-term commitment for owners.

To accommodate their size and provide a comfortable living environment, a single adult pink belly turtle should be housed in a tank with a capacity of at least 75 gallons. The tank should be equipped with a filtration system and a water heater to maintain the ideal water temperature, which is between 75°F and 85°F. It is also important to provide a basking area with a temperature of 90°F to 95°F, as these turtles occasionally come out of the water to bask and dry off their shells.

Overall, pink belly turtles are fascinating creatures that make great pets for those who are dedicated to providing them with the care and attention they need. With their unique appearance, docile nature, and long lifespan, they can be cherished companions for a significant portion of their owner's life.

They have a grey/olive green face with a yellow mask

The pink-bellied side-necked turtle, also known as Emydura subglobosa, has a distinctive appearance with a vibrant pink belly that contrasts its dark shell. This unique colouring has earned it the nickname "painted terrapin". The turtle's head is grey or olive green, with a yellow mask extending to both sides of its face. Its shell is flat and usually green or brown, with two bright yellow strips running along the cheeks. The turtle's neck is often coloured olive and grey, with two buttery strips.

The pink-bellied side-necked turtle is native to freshwater environments in Australia and Papua New Guinea, including lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes. It is well-adapted to aquatic life and spends most of its time in the water, only occasionally coming out to bask in the sun. With a lifespan of up to 30-50 years, these turtles can grow to a considerable size, with females reaching lengths of 10 to 16 inches, and males measuring between 5 and 7 inches.

In the wild, the pink-bellied side-necked turtle's diet consists of small fish, aquatic plants, insects, and other invertebrates. In captivity, their diet can include commercial turtle pellets, crustaceans (except shrimp), insects, fish strips, molluscs, worms, and dark leafy greens. These turtles are known for their docile temperament and are easy to care for, making them ideal pets for beginners. However, it is important to handle them with care and minimise stress by supporting their shell and limbs properly.

Their shell is a flat dark brown colour

Pink-bellied sidneck turtles, or pink-bellied turtles, are a species of turtle native to South America. These turtles are known for their distinctive pink bellies and their relatively small size. So, just how big do these turtles get?

On average, adult pink-bellied turtles have a shell length of approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches), with females typically being larger than males. Their shells are characterized by a flat, dark brown color, which can vary in shade from a rich chocolate brown to a darker, almost black hue. The flatness of their shells is a notable feature, as it gives them a slightly depressed or concave appearance when viewed from the side. This contrast between the dark, flat shell and the bright pink underside is part of what makes this species so visually distinctive.

The dark brown color of their shells serves as effective camouflage in their natural habitat. The flat, dark surface blends seamlessly with the muddy waters and marshy environments they inhabit, providing them with excellent concealment from potential predators. This adaptation is particularly advantageous for a species that spends a significant amount of time in the water, as it helps them remain hidden from aerial predators as well as those lurking beneath the surface.

The shade of brown can also vary slightly within the population, depending on various factors such as age, diet, and even regional differences. For example, older turtles may have shells that appear darker or richer in tone due to years of exposure to the elements, while turtles from certain regions may exhibit slight variations in color due to differences in the local environment or diet. Additionally, the flatness of the shell may vary slightly between individuals, with some turtles having a more pronounced flat appearance than others, though this is generally a consistent feature within the species.

They are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea

Pink-bellied side-necked turtles (Emydura subglobosa) are native to the tropical regions of Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are found in freshwater ecosystems, including slow-moving rivers, ponds, lakes, brooks, swamps, marshes, streams, and creeks. These turtles thrive in warm, tropical waters and prefer to stay in the water, rarely venturing out. They can be found in areas with dense aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and sandy bottoms, which provide them with shelter and a diverse range of food sources.

In Australia, there is now a prohibition on exporting native specimens of the pink-bellied side-necked turtle. However, they have been successfully bred in captivity, both within Australia and in other countries like the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This captive breeding has increased their availability in the pet trade.

The pink-bellied side-necked turtle is a freshwater turtle species that is well-adapted to aquatic life. They are excellent swimmers and feel most secure when in the water. They are also known for their distinctive method of withdrawing into their shell by pulling their heads to the side, rather than straight back, as most other turtle species do.

These turtles are known for their brightly coloured shells, which can range from light tan to black, and their vibrant pink bellies, which give them their name. They have grey or olive green faces with a yellow mask extending to the sides, and their shells are typically flat and dark brown with a pale yellow ring around the edge. The pink colour becomes more prominent as the turtles age.

In terms of size, male pink-bellied side-necked turtles typically grow to around 5 to 7 inches in length, while females can reach sizes of 10 to 16 inches in extreme cases. They are long-living creatures, with an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years, although some may live even longer.

They can live for at least 30 years in captivity

Pink belly turtles are known for their longevity, with a lifespan of at least 30 years in captivity, and they can easily surpass 50 years with proper care. This means that owning a pink belly turtle is a long-term commitment, and it is important to understand the responsibilities and costs associated with their care before bringing one into your home.

One of the key aspects of ensuring a long and healthy life for your pink belly turtle is providing it with a suitable habitat. These turtles are native to the tropical regions of Australia and Papua New Guinea, and they thrive in warm, tropical waters. In captivity, they can be housed in large tanks with a capacity of at least 75 gallons for males and 100 gallons for females. The water temperature should be maintained between 66°F and 85°F, and a basking area with a temperature of 90°F to 95°F should be provided. Proper lighting, including UVB and UVA bulbs, is also essential for their health.

A well-balanced and nutritional diet is critical for the overall health and longevity of your pink belly turtle. In the wild, they feed on small amphibians, fish, insects, mollusks, and worms. In captivity, their diet should include commercial turtle pellets, crustaceans (except shrimp), insects, fish strips, mollusks, worms, and occasional leafy green vegetables. It is important to ensure that the food is appropriately sized and gut-load insects with vitamins and calcium powder before feeding them to your turtle.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tank are crucial for providing a healthy environment for your pink belly turtle. Partial water changes should be performed every week, and the entire tank should be deep-cleaned at least once a month. The filtration system should also be cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

It is also important to monitor your pink belly turtle's health regularly. Some common health issues in turtles include Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), shell rot, respiratory infections, and vitamin deficiencies. Signs of these issues include pyramiding or flaking on the shell, lethargy, and mucus on the snout.

With proper care, attention to their dietary and environmental needs, and regular veterinary visits, pink belly turtles can live for several decades and be cherished companions for a significant portion of their owner's life.

Frequently asked questions