How difficult is it to keep Keeled Box Turtle?

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

How large does Keeled Box Turtle get?

Keeled Box Turtle typically reaches Carapace length averages 15-17 cm, max 20.2 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Keeled Box Turtle?

Keeled Box Turtle feeds on: Mainly herbivorous omnivore (fallen fruit, worms, snails). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Keeled Box Turtle?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Keeled Box Turtle

Intermediate

Cuora mouhotii

An Asian box turtle with three high keels on the carapace and a serrated rear edge. Largely terrestrial, it favors fallen fruit, and eye color separates males (black or brown) from females (orange or red).

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

Few data on lifespan in captivity

Size

Carapace length averages 15-17 cm, max 20.2 cm

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Mainly herbivorous omnivore (fallen fruit, worms, snails)

About

The keeled box turtle is a geoemydid of the genus Cuora found in China (Hainan and Yunnan), Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, north-eastern India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It was long placed alone in the genus Pyxidea, but molecular studies show it belongs in the Cuora group. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate form and C. m. obsti of Vietnam. The elongated carapace carries three high keels with a flat area between the lateral ones, and the rear marginal scutes are sharply serrated. The carapace is brown to reddish brown and the plastron light to dark brown. Maximum carapace length is 20.2 cm, and one survey found averages of 15-17 cm. The feet are only partially webbed, reflecting a terrestrial lifestyle. Males have longer, thicker claws and black or brown eyes, while females have shorter claws and orange or red eyes. In the wild it is mainly herbivorous with a preference for fallen fruit, and it also takes worms and snails. Males can be very aggressive when mating and may injure females. A hybrid with C. galbinifrons was once described as a subspecies. In Japan it is available through specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Keeled Box Turtle

The Keeled Box Turtle grows to Carapace length averages 15-17 cm, max 20.2 cm.

Basic Info

Origin

Southern China (Hainan, Yunnan), Indochina, Myanmar, north-eastern India and Bhutan

Lifespan

Few data on lifespan in captivity

Size

Carapace length averages 15-17 cm, max 20.2 cm

Temperature

25〜32℃

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: Cuora mouhotii (Gray, 1862)

Synonyms: Cuora serrata Iverson & Mccord, 1992, Cyclemys mouhotii Gray, 1862, Pyxidea mouboti Smith & James, 1958, Pyxidea mouhotii (Gray, 1862), Pyxidea mouhotii obsti Fritz, Andreas & Lehr, 1998

Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Cuora mouhotii · GBIF: Cuora mouhotii

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. Listed under Cuora spp. (except Appendix I species) since 23 February 2023, with a zero export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes, so legal trade is mainly in captive-bred animals.

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Cuora mouhotii

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