Types of Pet Water Turtles

Water turtles spend all or nearly all of their time in the water, and they are primarily display animals rather than pets that a keeper can interact with. Despite this, they can be rewarding pets because of their aquatic habits and their natural coloration. Part of deciding on water turtles as pets is deciding which species is right for your situation.

  1. Red-Eared Sliders

    • Red-eared sliders are common in the pet trade, and they tend to be a uniform green with distinctive red streaks on the side of their head. They are carnivorous when they are young and start eating more and more vegetables as they age. They are relatively hardy animals but even when they are used to being handled, they can react to surprises with a sharp bite.

    Mud Turtles

    • Mud turtles are more attracted to land than red-eared sliders and they need shallower water, but after that, their care is almost identical to that of the red-eared slider. They are mostly carnivorous throughout their life and if they are being kept in a warmer climate, can be kept outdoors during the summer.

    Spotted Turtles

    • Spotted turtles have dark shells that are covered with bright yellow spots, and they are friendly, alert turtles that are excellent for beginners. They are easy to breed, and they can be fed on a purchased turtle diet that has been supplemented with earthworms, crickets or lean strips of beef.

    Spiny Soft-Shelled Turtles

    • Spiny soft-shelled turtles are distinguished by their rubbery shells and their long, narrow snout. They are carnivorous turtles that require a lot of space, and adults may be aggressive enough that they cannot be kept together. They are not recommended for beginning turtle keepers.

    Reeves Turtles

    • The Reeves turtle will only be around 5 inches long at maturity with a yellow underside and a brown carapace. They are good eaters with a friendly disposition and they can be kept in groups without a problem. They are, however, prone to shell disease, meaning that they need water that is very clear and a good basking place with access to ultraviolet light.