Toxic Aquarium Plants & Turtles

Many turtle hobbyists like adding plants to their aquatic turtle habitat. However, not all plants are appropriate for this use. Many turtles are at least partially herbivorous, and may eat plants in their aquarium. Learning which plants are appropriate for turtles and which ones are toxic can help hobbyists keep their pets healthy.

  1. Types

    • Toxic plants come in several different types. Some contain oxalate salts, irritating substances that may cause turtles to itch or feel pain if they come into contact with the sap. Some cause an itchy rash on skin contact. Others are dangerous on ingestion, and can cause problems ranging from mild stomach irritation to serious organ damage.

    Risk

    • Most aquarium plants sold at pet stores are non-toxic and safe for turtles. However, there is no law requiring these plants to be safe. Pet owners should take time to do their own research and know the toxicity of each plant they're thinking about buying. Blind purchasing puts the turtle at risk and could lead to death.

    Treatment

    • If a turtle does ingest or come into contact with a toxic aquarium plant, rinse the mouth and affected area with water and encourage drinking. It's important to see a vet as soon as possible. Persistent skin and mouth irritation or any behavioral changes also indicate a need for veterinary care. Remove the animal from its enclosure and place it in a plant-free hospital enclosure until it can get medical help.

    Considerations

    • Many lists of poisonous plants do not go into much detail about which parts of the plant are toxic and to what degree. Research all plants in detail, rather than simply using a list of toxic and non-toxic plants as a planting guide. Owners should have a detailed knowledge of all the plants in their turtle's habitat, in order to avoid poisoning and keep the habitat healthy. Some well known safe plants for aquatic turtles include Java fern, Amazon sword plant and common waterweed.

    Warning

    • Turtles cannot be expected to recognize toxic plants in their environment. According to Tortoise Trust, reptiles are not able to identify poisonous plants if they have not encountered the variety before. It's up to the owner to keep their turtle habitat safe, as a captive-raised turtle may not avoid dangerous aquatic plants on its own. Some problem plants include Hygrophila balsamica, or arrow arum, a marsh dwelling stem plant native to southern Asia, and Arrowhead plant, a terrestrial plant that can survive with its roots submerged. Both could be dangerous to turtles that don't know to avoid them.