Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

Florida Red-Bellied Cooter key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 26 years

Size

Carapace up to 34cm; males to about 30cm

Temperature

Diet

Aquatic turtle pellets, aquatic plants, algae and greens; juveniles also take insects

Temperature & Humidity

Aim for a basking surface of about 29 C and a water temperature of about 24 C. Indoors, full-spectrum UVB lighting is essential. In lowland Japan from the Kanto region southwards the species can be kept outdoors, and in cold areas captive animals will hibernate.

Enclosure

Adults are large and need a tank or pond of around 1,100 litres. Juveniles can be kept in a 75-110 litre aquarium filled to about two thirds. Always provide a basking platform big enough for the turtle to stretch out and dry off.

Diet & Feeding

Largely herbivorous: alongside aquatic turtle pellets, offer plenty of aquatic plants and leafy greens. Juveniles are more carnivorous, so give them insects too and raise the proportion of plant food as they grow.

Temperament

Placid and a strong swimmer. Numbers decline where congeners share the same habitat, so mixing it with other Pseudemys in captivity is best avoided.

Notes

Not listed on any CITES appendix, and neither a designated dangerous animal nor an invasive alien species in Japan. The genus was, however, placed on Japan alien species list in 2015 as a species to be prevented from establishing, so animals must never be released or abandoned outdoors.

About Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

A large cooter turtle with a reddish-orange plastron and domed shell, reaching up to 34cm. Best suited to keepers with some experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

1. 1Needs a Large Tank as an Adult

   As a large species reaching up to 34cm in shell length, it's important to plan tank size around its adult dimensions even while it's still small. Males tend to stay slightly smaller, up to around 30cm, but still need plenty of room to swim.

2. 2Recognizable by Its Domed Shell

   The rounded, domed carapace is one of its most distinctive traits. This shape is thought to help protect it from predation by American alligators in the wild, and it also makes the species easy to distinguish from other turtles.

3. 3Generally Calm Temperament

   Cooter turtles as a group tend to be even-tempered, and individuals often settle down and respond calmly to their keeper's presence once accustomed. That said, personality varies between individuals, so it's best to start by observing from a distance.

4. 4A Plant-Focused Diet

   Dietary tendencies can shift as the turtle matures, so building meals around aquatic plants and vegetables, supplemented as needed with animal-based food, helps support long-term health.

5. 5UV Light and a Basking Area Are Essential

   UV lighting and a basking area where the turtle can fully dry off are essential for healthy shell and bone development. Set up the enclosure so it can move easily between water and land.

6. 6Prepare for a Long-Term Commitment

   The longest recorded lifespan in captivity is 26 years, so this is a long-term commitment. Think ahead about future equipment upgrades and changes in your living situation before bringing one home.

7. 7Factor In Water Quality Maintenance

   As a large species, it produces a substantial amount of waste, which can cause water quality to decline quickly. Before bringing one home, it's worth picturing in concrete terms the filtration capacity and regular water changes this will require.

Frequently asked questions about Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

Q.Is the Florida Red-Bellied Cooter listed under CITES?

A.The Florida Red-Bellied Cooter is not listed under CITES.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It's a large species that can reach up to 34cm in shell length. Males tend to be somewhat smaller, typically topping out around 30cm.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered suitable for keepers with some intermediate experience rather than complete beginners, since it requires a large tank setup and ongoing water quality management.

Q.How long can it live in captivity?

A.The longest recorded lifespan in captivity is 26 years. It's best to plan your care setup with a long-term commitment in mind.

Q.What are its most distinctive physical features?

A.Its most distinctive traits are a plastron washed entirely in a strong reddish-orange, along with a domed carapace. This shell shape is thought to help it avoid predation by American alligators in the wild.

Useful tools for Florida Red-Bellied Cooter care

Learn more about Florida Red-Bellied Cooter in the encyclopedia

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