SNAKE-NECK TURTLE

CHELODINA LONGICOLLIS

The Snake-neck Turtle (or Side neck Turtle as it is sometimes referred to) is native to Australia's eastern coast from Victoria in the south to Rockhampton in the north. It's identified by it's grey/black body, black carapace (brown in younger specimens) and in older specimens white plastron with black seams joining the scutes. It has an especially long neck that must be tucked in sideways for protection.  

                             
Snake-neck Turtles grow to approximately 20 to 25cm. Both males and females grow to the same size and are identical to each other in every way, making sexing of these guys extremely difficult.

Snake-neck Turtles are a very aquatic species so require a good sized swimming area. They're a very placid species and keeping more than one in a tank is never a problem (just ensure that they are of similar size to one another to avoid accidents during feeding as Snake-necks feed with gusto and might inflict unintentional damage to one another!!) Snake-neck Turtles are easy to keep but care should be taken when hand feeding as they are very quick!

Here at Hot House Turtles we specialise in Snake-neck Turtles and our Hot House Turtles frozen Turtle Food has been formulated specially for the carnivorous Snake-neck 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.

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

The Snake-neck Turtle is a very personable and hardy Turtle, and is ideal for those who want to keep something different.

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