Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle Care: Essential Guide

The Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle Care (Emydura subglobosa), native to Australia and New Guinea, is a semi-aquatic species known for its distinctive pinkish belly and side-necked posture. These turtles are popular pets due to their unique appearance and manageable size.

Species Summary

The Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle, scientifically known as Emydura subglobosa, is a freshwater turtle species native to Australia and New Guinea. It is characterized by its distinctive pinkish-red coloration on the underside of its shell (plastron), while the carapace is usually olive to brown. These turtles have a unique side-neck retracting mechanism, meaning they bend their necks sideways into their shell rather than pulling them directly back.

Adults typically reach a carapace length of 20 to 30 centimeters. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

The Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle is known for its relatively calm demeanor, making it a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. However, maintaining appropriate environmental conditions such as clean water, a balanced diet, and UVB lighting is crucial for their health in captivity.

Appearance & Colors

Shell

Carapace (Top Shell): The carapace is typically olive to dark brown, with a relatively smooth and streamlined appearance. The shell is slightly domed and can grow up to about 10 inches (25 cm) in length.

Plastron (Bottom Shell): The plastron is often a pale yellow or cream color, sometimes with a slight pink hue, especially in younger individuals.

Skin

Head and Limbs: The skin is generally a dark gray or black color, with some variation. The neck and the sides of the head often exhibit striking red or pink markings, which give the species its common name.

Pink Belly: One of the most distinctive features is the bright pink or reddish color on the underside of the neck and belly, particularly noticeable in juveniles. This coloration can fade as the turtle ages but remains a key identifying feature.

Other Features

Neck: As a side-neck turtle, it retracts its head sideways into its shell rather than pulling it directly back. This unique behavior is a characteristic of the Pleurodira suborder.

Eyes: The eyes are typically dark, blending well with the overall coloration of the head.

Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle Size

The Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) typically reaches a carapace length of about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) when fully grown.

Lifespan

The Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) typically has a lifespan ranging from 20 to 50 years in captivity, provided they receive proper care. In the wild, their lifespan can vary based on environmental conditions, predation, and availability of food, but they generally live around 20 to 30 years. Proper diet, habitat, and veterinary care are essential for ensuring these turtles live a long and healthy life.

Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle Care

Habitat

Tank Size: A minimum of a 55-gallon tank for one adult turtle. Larger tanks are preferable.

Water: Maintain clean, fresh water with a high-quality filtration system. Partial water changes (25-50%) should be done weekly.

Basking Area: Provide a dry area where the turtle can completely get out of the water.

Lighting: Use a UVB light to provide essential UVB rays for about 10-12 hours a day.

Diet

Protein: Feed a variety of protein sources such as commercial turtle pellets, insects (crickets, mealworms), and occasionally cooked lean meats.

Vegetables: Include leafy greens (kale, dandelion greens) and other vegetables (carrots, squash).

Fruits: Offer fruits sparingly (berries, apples, melons).

Calcium Supplement: Provide a cuttlebone or calcium block in the tank to ensure proper shell development.

Health

Shell Care: Ensure the turtle gets adequate UVB exposure.

Hydration: Ensure the turtle has access to clean, fresh water for drinking and swimming.

General Tips

Handling: Minimize handling to reduce stress. When necessary, handle the turtle gently.

Observation: Monitor the turtle’s behavior and appetite daily. Changes can indicate health issues.

Tank Size & Dimensions

Tank Size:

For Hatchlings: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters).

For Adults: A minimum of 75 gallons (280 liters). However, larger is always better, with 100 gallons (380 liters) being ideal for a fully-grown adult.

Tank Dimensions

Width: A width of 18 inches (45 cm) or more is recommended.

Height: At least 18 inches (45 cm) high, ensuring enough depth for swimming.

Additional Considerations:

Water Depth: Ensure the water depth is at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle’s shell to allow comfortable swimming.

Filtration: A strong filter is necessary to keep the water clean, as turtles are messy eaters and produce a significant amount of waste.

Heating and Lighting: Provide a UVB light for proper shell and bone development and a heat lamp to maintain a basking spot temperature of 85-90°F (29-32°C).

Tank Setup

Tank Size: Choose a spacious tank, at least 75 gallons, as these turtles can grow up to 10 inches in length. Larger tanks provide more swimming space and allow for proper temperature gradients.

Water Quality: Maintain clean, filtered water. Use a high-quality canister filter to keep the water clean and free of waste. Perform regular water changes, replacing about 25% of the water every week.

Lighting: Install a UVB light to simulate natural sunlight, which is essential for the turtle’s shell and overall health.

Substrate: Use a substrate that is safe and easy to clean, such as large river rocks or sand. Avoid small gravel that can be ingested and cause impaction.

Decorations and Hiding Spots: Include aquatic plants, driftwood, and rocks to create a natural environment and provide hiding spots.

Temperature & Lighting

UVB Lighting

Use a UVB light to provide the necessary UV radiation for Vitamin D3 synthesis, which helps in calcium absorption and prevents metabolic bone disease (MBD). A UVB lamp should cover about 2/3 of the enclosure, and replace it every 6-12 months as the UVB output diminishes over time.

Photoperiod

Provide a photoperiod (light cycle) of 10-12 hours a day, mimicking natural daylight cycles. This helps regulate their natural behaviors and biological processes.

Food & Diet

General Diet: They are omnivorous, which means they eat a combination of plant and animal matter.

Plant Matter: They consume various aquatic plants such as duckweed, water lettuce, and water hyacinth.

Animal Matter: They also eat insects, small fish, crustaceans, and sometimes carrion.

Commercial Food: You can supplement their diet with commercial turtle pellets or sticks formulated for aquatic turtles. Make sure these are specifically formulated for turtles like the Pink-Bellied Side-Neck.

Behavior & Temperament

Semi-Aquatic Lifestyle: They spend much of their time in the water, preferring shallow, slow-moving streams and ponds.

Basking Habits: Like other turtles, they require basking spots to regulate body temperature and dry their shells.

Handling: They can tolerate gentle handling but may retract their heads into their shells when stressed or threatened.