How difficult is it to keep Painted Turtle?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the lifespan of Painted Turtle?

The average lifespan of Painted Turtle is Up to 40 years in captivity, with wild animals recorded at over 55 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Painted Turtle get?

Painted Turtle typically reaches Carapace up to 25cm, varying from 16 to 25cm by subspecies as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Painted Turtle?

Painted Turtle feeds on: Aquatic turtle pellets, fish, insects, crustaceans, aquatic plants and algae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Painted Turtle?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Painted Turtle

Beginner

Chrysemys picta

The most widespread native turtle of North America. Its black to dark green body is marked with red and yellow stripes, and the specific name picta, meaning painted, matches both its English and Japanese names. The carapace reaches 25 cm.

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

Up to 40 years in captivity, with wild animals recorded at over 55 years

Size

Carapace up to 25cm, varying from 16 to 25cm by subspecies

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Aquatic turtle pellets, fish, insects, crustaceans, aquatic plants and algae

About

Chrysemys picta is the most widespread native turtle of North America and the sole member of its genus. The carapace is flat and smooth, without a keel or wrinkles, and the marginal scutes are not serrated. Head and limbs are black to dark green with yellow and red stripes; the specific name picta, meaning painted, matches both the English and Japanese names. Four subspecies are recognised - western, southern, midland and eastern - distinguished by the markings on carapace and plastron. Diurnal, it favours shallow still water with a slow flow and basks for hours on logs and rocks. An antifreeze-like substance in its blood lets it tolerate freezing, and it overwinters in the mud at the bottom of water bodies. Sex is determined by incubation temperature: one study produced only males at 25 C and only females at 30.5 C.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Painted Turtle

The Painted Turtle lives Up to 40 years in captivity, with wild animals recorded at over 55 years.

Size of the Painted Turtle

The Painted Turtle grows to Carapace up to 25cm, varying from 16 to 25cm by subspecies.

Basic Info

Origin

Southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico, in slow rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes

Lifespan

Up to 40 years in captivity, with wild animals recorded at over 55 years

Size

Carapace up to 25cm, varying from 16 to 25cm by subspecies

Care Specifications

PeacefulSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: ReptiFiles: Painted Turtle Care Sheet / Wikipedia (Japanese): Painted turtle / Wikipedia (English): Painted 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: Chrysemys picta (Schneider, 1783)

Synonyms: Testudo picta Schneider, 1783, Emys picta (Schweigger, 1812), Chrysemys picta picta (Agassiz, 1857)

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the appendices of the Washington Convention. It does not fall under the specific animals listed in the Order for Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals, nor is it designated as an invasive alien species.

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (designated dangerous animals)

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