SHORT-NECK TURTLE

EMYDURA SP.

The Short-neck Turtle is native to Australia, and it's several species cover the  eastern coast from Victoria in the south right up to the top of Australia and then across the top including the Jardine River and Victoria River in the northern Kimberley's. Like the Snake-neck Turtle their necks must be tucked sideways for protection.

The two most common species kept as Pets in New Zealand are   Emydura macquarii (the Macquarie River Turtle) and Emydura subglobosa (the Jardine River Turtle) The Macquarie River Turtles are identified by a creamy whitish band starting at the mouth and extending back along the neck. The skin is grey above and lighter below often with a pinkish tinge. Both the males and females obtain a total shell length of 350mm. The Macquarie River Turtles can be kept in the same conditions as Snake-neck Turtles but due to their larger size you would need a minimum 6ft tank to house one, or a large outdoor pond.

The Jardine River Turtles are identified by yellow band that extends from the nostrils to behind the eyes. The male is identified by it's black body, black carapace (brown in younger specimens) and bright red coloured plastron. In older specimens the plastron is creamy with patches of white. Flushes of red appear on the skin areas as well. Females have a brown carapace and grey coloured skin. Like the male, the plastron is bright red especially in younger specimens. Red is evident on the skin areas as well. Both the male and female have two barbels under their chin. Males obtain a length of approx 15cm, and females total shell length of 24cm. The Jardine River Turtle comes from the tropical far north of Australia, so therefore requires a year round water temperature of 28^oC, making it not ideal for outdoor housing unless you're able to heat your pond. As the Jardine River Turtle doesn't get as large as the Macquarie River Turtle you can get away with a minimum of 5ft long tank. Due to the beautiful colour of the Jardine River Turtle, they make a stunning display in  anyone's home!

Like the Snake-neck Turtles, Short-neck Turtles are a very aquatic species so require a good sized swimming area so make sure you fill the tank up as much as possible. They do however bask a lot more than Snake-neck Turtles. They are an aggressive species and should only be housed by themselves when kept in large tanks, or in pairs in large outdoor ponds.

Here at Hot House Turtles we specialise in all foods for Short-neck Turtles and our Hot House Turtles frozen Turtle Food has been formulated specially for the carnivorous Australian Turtles. Fluker's Gourmet River Shrimps and Fluker's Freeze Dried River Shrimps are also eaten with enthusiasm, but please note that the River Shrimps are treat foods only and not intended as a staple diet.

Short-neck Turtles are particularly susceptible to Ammonia poisoning, so large weekly water changes are essential to avoid them getting ill.

The Short-neck Turtle is a very personable Turtle, and is ideal for those who want to keep something different. The Jardine River Turtle are semi-hardy, and the Macquarie River Turtle a hardy species.

                             


                                                                                                                                         Back