Tartaruga Chinesa de Três Quilhas

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults reach around 15cm in length

Origin: China

Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Natural Habitat: They inhabit lakes, marshes and small to medium-sized waterways with moderate current.

The Tartaruga Chinesa de Três Quilhas is one of the most popular aquatic turtle species. Its moderate size and active, bold personality make it a very attractive choice as a pet turtle for many keepers.

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Aquarium

Size: Minimum 100x45x40cm / 150 litres for 1 adult

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

Although semi-aquatic, the Tartaruga Chinesa de Três Quilhas also likes to bask on land. A dry platform should be provided as a basking area at 28-32ºC. A 5-7% UVB lamp should also be used to provide the right levels of ultraviolet radiation for this turtle species. To provide both heat and UVB, we recommend a Mercury Vapour/Solar Lamp. Water temperature should be kept between 23-26ºC with a submersible aquarium heater. 

- Filtration

A filter is needed to keep the water clean, as these animals produce a lot of waste. Use a filter with a medium flow rate or one that can be adjusted. For adults we recommend an external filter for its superior performance.

- Decor

Sand or small stones on the bottom of the aquarium make it easier for the turtles to move around the bottom. Rocks, logs and live plants can be used to decorate the terrarium.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Omnivorous

- Foods

Staple: The staple diet should be a commercial food formulated specifically for aquatic turtles.

Occasional: Crickets, Roaches, Locusts, Mealworms, Waxworms, Calcium Worms, Bloodworms, Fish...

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.