The Red-Eared Slider (English name: Red-Eared Slider, scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans) is a turtle characterized by distinctive red patches behind its ears, also known as "Midori-gamera." Once widely sold as a standard item at street stalls and tropical fish shops, it remains one of the most commonly kept turtles in Japan. However, due to its ecological impact, it has become the subject of legal regulations, and since 2024, the rules governing its ownership and care have changed. This article explains the appropriate care methods while ensuring you understand the current legal situation correctly.
Legal Regulations as of 2024 (Important)
As of June 1, 2024, the Red-Eared Slider has been designated as a "conditionally designated invasive species." This applies the following rules.
For currently kept individuals (subject to transitional measures)
- Individuals currently in your care may continue to be kept (no reporting required)
- However, releasing or abandoning them is strictly forbidden (penalties apply)
- Transferring them to others is prohibited (both paid and unpaid transfers)
- You are required to maintain lifelong care of any individual in your keeping
Regarding new acquisitions
- From 2024 onward, purchasing and keeping new individuals from pet shops or breeders is generally prohibited
- Only the continued care of individuals you already own is permitted
Penalties
Unlawfully releasing or transferring a designated invasive species may result in imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to 3 million yen.
This article is intended as a care guide for those already keeping Red-Eared Sliders. If you currently have one, please care for it responsibly until the end of its life.
Basic Profile of Red-Eared Sliders
- Shell length: Males 20–28 cm / Females 25–35 cm (females tend to grow larger)
- Weight: 1–2 kg (adults)
- Lifespan: 20–40 years (extremely long-lived with proper management)
- Native habitat: North America (Mississippi River basin)
- Diet: Omnivorous (juveniles consume more animal matter; adults consume more plant matter)
- Characteristics: Red patches on both sides of the head, olive-green shell, semi-aquatic
Red-Eared Sliders are extremely hardy and long-lived animals. It is not uncommon for an individual you brought home thinking "small is fine" to live 30–40 years, so you must be prepared for lifelong care.
Setting Up Your Enclosure
Tank Size
Since juveniles (approximately 5 cm shell length) grow rapidly, it is recommended to prepare a tank of an appropriate size from the start that can be used long-term.
| Shell Length | Recommended Tank Size |
|---|
| ~10 cm (juvenile) | 45–60 cm |
| 10–20 cm (medium) | 60–90 cm |
| 20 cm+ (adult) | 90–120 cm+ (large plastic containers are also an option) |
Adults (especially females) can reach 35 cm or more, requiring larger containers.
Basking Spot Setup
Since turtles are ectothermic, they require basking in sunlight to regulate their body temperature.
- Basking area: Ensure a surface large enough for the entire body (1.5–2 times the shell length or larger)
- Installation method: Floating island type, rock layout, or dedicated platform
- Position: Create a slope that allows the turtle to climb up and down easily
Lighting and Basking Lamp
- Basking lamp (heat lamp): Direct heat to the basking spot, keeping it at 30–35°C
- UVB light: Helps synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium metabolism and shell formation. Use a UVB 5.0–10.0 lamp for 12–16 hours per day
- Outdoor basking: Ideally, expose to direct sunlight several times per week (sunlight through a window glass does not transmit UVB, so direct exposure is essential)
Water Quality Management
Red-Eared Sliders eat heavily and produce large amounts of waste, making their water dirty easily.
- Filter: Use an external or top-mounted filter. A processing capacity of 3–5 times the water volume is recommended
- Water changes: 1–2 times per week, changing 1/3 to 1/2 of the total water
- Water temperature: 20–28°C (ideally around 25°C). Use a water heater to prevent rapid drops during winter
- Water depth: Approximately 2–3 times the shell length (deep enough to swim freely)
Feeding and Nutrition
Types of Food
- Commercial feed (specialized pellets): Floating pellets designed for turtles are convenient as a staple. They are well-balanced with calcium and vitamins
- Vegetables: Leafy greens such as lettuce, bok choy, and mustard greens. Keep spinach to small amounts (excessive oxalic acid)
- Aquatic plants: Plants like water sprite and hornwort encourage natural grazing behavior
- Animal protein: Brine shrimp and bloodworms for juveniles. For adults, offer 1–2 times per week (excess causes water quality degradation)
- Calcium supplementation: Place cuttlebone (squid bone) in the water, or dust food with calcium powder such as Rep-Cal
Feeding Frequency
- Juveniles (~1 year): 1–2 times per day
- Adults (1+ years): Once every 2–3 days (adults digest more slowly)
- During hibernation: No feeding
Note: Remove any leftover food immediately. Turtles eat in water and defecate right after, easily fouling the water.
Hibernation Management
Even in Japanese winters, Red-Eared Sliders kept outdoors will hibernate. It is possible to use a heater to prevent hibernation for indoor care; however, allowing them to hibernate as part of their natural biological cycle is also an option.
Procedure for hibernation
- From around November, appetite decreases as water temperature drops → Gradually reduce feeding; stop completely when temperatures fall below 10–12°C
- When water temperature drops below 10°C, the turtle enters a dormant state
- Move the container to an outdoor location sheltered from frost (under eaves, at an entrance, etc.). Do not place it where it will freeze solid
- Increase water depth (30–40 cm); adding fallen leaves or aquatic plants helps them settle
- Around March, as water temperature rises, they naturally awaken → Resume feeding with small amounts
Without hibernation
- Use a heater to maintain 26–28°C
- Continue normal care throughout the year
- However, this incurs electricity costs and requires careful management during extended absences
Common Diseases and Prevention
Shell Softening and Irregular Formation (Metabolic Bone Disease)
Caused by UVB deficiency or calcium deficiency. Symptoms include softening or undulation of the shell.
- Prevention: Proper use of UVB lighting, calcium supplementation, regular outdoor basking
Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Easily develops due to sudden water temperature changes, hypothermia, or stress. Watch for mouth-breathing or wheezing sounds.
- Prevention: Stable water temperature management (avoid rapid temperature fluctuations)
Eyelid Inflammation (Eye Swelling)
Often caused by vitamin A deficiency. Eyes swell and cannot open.
- Prevention: Balanced diet (vegetables containing vitamin A, commercial turtle food)
Loss of Appetite
Caused by water temperature drop, illness, or stress. Consult a veterinarian promptly if appetite loss occurs outside the hibernation period.
The Commitment to Lifelong Care
Red-Eared Sliders are extremely long-lived animals, with lifespans of 20–40 years. An individual you brought home as a small turtle can grow to 30 cm or more as an adult, requiring corresponding space and maintenance costs. Since 2024, transferring them to others is generally prohibited, making it difficult to find someone to take them.
For current keepers: If you wish to surrender your turtle, consult local turtle rescue facilities, zoos (acceptance varies by facility), or your municipal government's designated invasive species intake office. Under no circumstances should you release it into rivers, ponds, or lakes. This is a serious act that destroys ecosystems.
With proper care, Red-Eared Sliders thrive and live long, healthy lives. Responsible keeping makes for a rewarding long-term relationship with these animals.
