Do Long Neck Turtles Live in Groups?

Long neck turtles are more commonly known as snake-necked turtles and are native to Australia. Their long neck does not retract into their shell like other species, and they are nicknamed "stinkers" because of their ability to emit a strong odor from musk glands when startled.
  1. Wild Long Neck Turtles

    • Long neck turtles prefer to live in slow-moving muddy waters in the wild and sometimes gather in groups outside the water. They are equally likely to be seen individually, especially when hunting or in the water. Long neck turtles are aggressive carnivorous feeders, but if there is plenty of space, they can live together in the wild.

    Long Neck Turtles as Pets

    • Long neck turtles can be kept as pets and the minimum requirement is a 3-foot aquarium. Captive or captive-bred turtles can display signs of aggression toward other tank mates, especially in confined spaces or if fighting over food, and so it is advisable to keep them individually as pets and not in groups unless you have a large outdoor heated pond.

      Never keep long neck turtles with tropical fish as the turtle will eat them.

    Baby and Juvenile Turtles

    • Hatchlings and baby turtles can be kept in groups safely, but once they become juveniles they may start to nip each other to establish rank within the group. It is essential to separate the turtles before this point, as any injuries can be prone to an infection known as shell rot, which is fatal if left untreated.