Eastern Long-necked Turtle

Introduction

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This is the most commonly seen turtle species in south-eastern Australia.

Physical and behavioural characteristics

• grow to a length of around 25 – 30 cm

• long-lived

• mature at around 8 years of age

• will pull their neck into the shell when threatened.

Environmental requirements for keeping in captivity

• require a reasonably large waterproof enclosure or aquarium

• a body of freshwater and an area of sand or rocks onto which the animal can climb to bask must be provided. Commercially available floating ‘turtle docks’ can also be used

• a water filtration system is essential to provide a clean environment

• a water heater will be required to maintain water temperature around 23⁰C

• an ultraviolet light source is essential and will need to be replaced annually

• must have direct exposure to UV radiation (not through glass as it filters out the required UV rays).

Natural distribution

Feeding and nutrition

• small whole fish or pieces of larger ones, unpeeled raw prawns, live crickets, yabbies and worms form the basis of the diet

• baby turtles should be fed in a separate enclosure in the tank. Young turtles can be finicky feeders when newly acquired so offering black worms to initiate feeding is recommended

• turtles feed only whilst in water. They may take food on land but need access to water to swallow it.

Considerations when keeping turtles in schools

• readily available to purchase ($90 – $120)

• amenable to handling once conditioned but handling is discouraged as dropping can cause shell damage

• most active during the day

• must have exposure to ultraviolet light for 8 – 9 hours each day. The UV globes must be replaced annually and cost from approximately $80 – $120

• enclosures are relatively costly to set up.

References

Care (.pdf 380 kB)

Australian Museum information

Green, D. (2000) Keeping long-necked turtles. Australian Reptile Keeper Publications