The numbers
Enclosure
≥ 100 gallons adult (~10 gal per inch of shell)
Diet
Turtle pellets + leafy greens + occasional protein
Temperature
24–27 °C (75–80 °F); hatchlings warmer
UVB
Over basking dock; replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Emydidae / Testudines
Adult size
20–30 cm carapace
Lifespan (captivity)
20–40 yrs
Activity
Diurnal; aquatic
Temperament
Hardy, active swimmer — but a decades-long commitment
Price (THB)
~100–500 (cheap → impulse buys)
Enclosure and conditions
Water temperature
24–27 °C (75–80 °F); hatchlings warmer
Basking dock
32–35 °C (90–95 °F) dry platform
UVB (required)
Over basking dock; replace ~6 mo
Tank size
≥ 100 gallons adult (~10 gal per inch of shell)
Filtration
Powerful filter essential (they're messy)
Note
Dry basking platform to fully haul out
Diet
Diet type
Omnivore — carnivorous young → herbivorous adults
Staple
Turtle pellets + leafy greens + occasional protein
Calcium
Cuttlebone / calcium block
Note
Don't overfeed — fouls the water
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal — aquatic; may bite/scratch
Cohabitation
Possible with space + filtration; watch aggression
Defense
Bite / scratch
Note
NEVER release — a serious invasive species
Children
Observe; supervised feeding
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
♀ ~5–7 yrs
Clutch
2–30 eggs (laid on land — need nesting area)
Incubation
~60–90 days; temperature sets sex
Common health problems
Shell rot / MBD
Signssoft or pitted shell
PreventUVB + calcium + clean water
Respiratory infection
Signsfloating lopsided, open-mouth breathing
Preventwarm water + air; vet
Vitamin A deficiency
Signsswollen eyes
Preventbalanced diet
Ammonia / dirty water
Signslethargy, infections
Preventstrong filtration + water changes
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- The world's most traded pet turtle — and a major invasive species (never release!).
- Males have long front claws used to court females.
- Lives up to ~40 years — a decades-long commitment behind a cheap price.
Common questions
Can I release it if it gets too big?
NEVER — invasive and illegal in many places.
How big does it get?
Dinner-plate size (25–30 cm).
Why so much water & filtration?
They're messy — a big filtered tank is a must.
What it needs
- Large aquarium/tub ≥ 100 gal
- Powerful canister filter
- Basking dock
- UVB + basking lamp
- Water heater + thermometer
- Turtle pellets + cuttlebone