MACQUARIE RIVER TURTLE

EMYDURA MACQUARII MACQUARII

Short-neck Turtles are 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.

Two Emydura species that are kept as Pets in New Zealand are Emydura macquarii (the Macquarie or Murray River Turtle as is sometimes referred to) and Emydura subglobosa (the Australian Painted Turtle or 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 Australian Snake-neck Turtles. A large tank is required to keep Macquarie River Turtles with a minimum 150cm x 60cm x 60cm for a single Turtle.

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