How difficult is it to keep Japanese Pond Turtle?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the lifespan of Japanese Pond Turtle?

The average lifespan of Japanese Pond Turtle is 15-25 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Japanese Pond Turtle get?

Japanese Pond Turtle typically reaches Carapace up to 21cm in females and 14.5cm in males as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Japanese Pond Turtle?

The price of Japanese Pond Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Japanese Pond Turtle

Q: What should I feed Japanese Pond Turtle?

Japanese Pond Turtle feeds on: Prepared pellets, small fish, shrimp, snails, insects, aquatic plants and fruit. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Mauremys japonica

A geoemydid turtle endemic to Japan, with a flattened orange-brown to dark brown carapace reaching 21 cm in females and 14.5 cm in males. It favours clean, gently flowing water and is notably cold-tolerant.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

15-25 years

Size

Carapace up to 21cm in females and 14.5cm in males

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Prepared pellets, small fish, shrimp, snails, insects, aquatic plants and fruit

About

Mauremys japonica is endemic to Japan, ranging from Honshu south of Akita and Miyagi prefectures through Shikoku, Kyushu and the surrounding islands. The carapace reaches 21 cm; females grow larger, while males stop at 14.5 cm at most. Carapace colour varies widely from orange-brown to dark brown, the vertebral scutes carry an interrupted keel and the rear marginals are slightly serrated, while the plastron is usually a solid black or dark brown. It prefers gently flowing water and cleaner conditions than the Reeves' turtle. It is markedly cold-tolerant, having been seen active at water temperatures of 3-5 C. An omnivore, it eats fish, amphibians, crustaceans, snails and aquatic plants. From June to August it lays one to 12 eggs per clutch, one to three times a year, hatching in about 70 days. Habitat loss, over-collection and genetic introgression from Reeves' and Chinese stripe-necked turtles have reduced it, and it is listed as Vulnerable on Japan's national Red List.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Japanese Pond Turtle

The Japanese Pond Turtle lives 15-25 years.

Size of the Japanese Pond Turtle

The Japanese Pond Turtle grows to Carapace up to 21cm in females and 14.5cm in males.

Basic Info

Origin

Endemic to Japan: Honshu south of Akita and Miyagi prefectures, Shikoku, Kyushu and the Oki, Goto, Tsushima, Awaji, Iki, Sado and Tanegashima islands, in rivers, lakes, marshes and paddy fields

Lifespan

15-25 years

Care Specifications

PeacefulSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Wikipedia (Japanese): Japanese pond turtle / Reptile Database

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Mauremys japonica (Temminck & Schlegel, 1838)

Synonyms: Emys vulgaris japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1838, Chinemys japonica, Geoclemys japonica

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Listed in CITES Appendix II in 2013. Since it is listed in Appendix II, registration as an internationally endangered species is not required. Ministry of Environment Red List assessment is Vulnerable (VU). This species does not qualify as a designated animal specified in the Cabinet Order for the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals. Individuals resulting from hybridization with the Asian pond turtle are designated as designated alien species.

Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix II, listed 2013) / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.