Reeves' Turtle

Reeves' Turtle key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

10-15 years or more in captivity, with animals exceeding 20 years

Size

Carapace up to 30cm, males up to 19.9cm

Temperature

Diet

Prepared pellets, small fish, snails, crustaceans and greens

Temperature & Humidity

Build a gradient with water at 21-27 C, ambient air at 24-29 C and a basking area at 29-35 C. Temperatures inside an aquarium differ from those in the room, especially under a hood, so check them with a thermometer regularly.

Enclosure

An active turtle that should have as much water as possible: allow at least about 19 litres for a single hatchling and add eight to eleven litres for each additional animal. A basking platform is essential. Females grow large, so the species is unsuitable where a big enclosure cannot be provided.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous: build the diet around a purpose-made pellet with small fish and greens alongside. Large individuals crush and eat snails and sizeable crustaceans. Overfeeding fouls the water and leads to obesity.

Temperament

It tames readily and many individuals will beg for food. It can hybridise with other geoemydids, however, so mixed-species housing is not advised. Hatchlings have delicate skin, so pay close attention to water quality.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix III at the request of China, effective 17 February 2005. Appendix III species need no individual registration certificate in Japan, but import requires documentation issued by the exporting country. It is neither a designated dangerous animal nor an invasive alien species in Japan. Japanese populations are nonetheless believed to be introduced, and hybridisation with the Japanese pond turtle is a recognised conservation problem; hybrids with the Chinese stripe-necked turtle are themselves designated invasive alien species. Never release or abandon animals outdoors.

About Reeves' Turtle

Learn about Reeves' Turtle, a hardy East Asian semi-aquatic species known for its ridged shell and striped head — a great choice for beginner keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Reeves' Turtle

1. 1Land and Water Setup

   Reeves' Turtles need more than swimming space — they also require a dry basking area to fully climb out of the water. Set up an enclosure with both adequate water depth and a land area large enough for the whole body.

2. 2Basking and UVB Light

   UV exposure supports healthy shell and bone development. When natural outdoor basking isn't practical, combine a UVB light with a basking lamp in the enclosure.

3. 3Regular Water Care

   Reeves' Turtles defecate in the water, so tanks foul quickly and need frequent water changes plus strong filtration. Poor water quality can contribute to skin and shell problems.

4. 4Managing the Cold Season

   During cold months, especially with outdoor keeping, activity naturally slows down. If you plan to overwinter your turtle, research proper methods in advance and prepare a safe setup.

5. 5Temperament

   Some individuals grow accustomed to their keeper and approach readily, but they aren't pets meant for cuddling like a cat or dog, and may bite if startled. It's best to enjoy them mainly as an animal to observe.

6. 6Growth and Adult Size

   Reeves' Turtles can reach a shell length of up to 30 cm, with females growing larger than males. A tank sized for a hatchling will become too small, so plan ahead for a larger setup as they grow.

7. 7A Long-Term Commitment

   In captivity, Reeves' Turtles typically live 10 to 15 years or more, with some individuals surpassing 20 years. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can commit to their long-term care.

Frequently asked questions about Reeves' Turtle

Q.Can beginners keep a Reeves' Turtle?

A.Yes, Reeves' Turtles are hardy, adaptable, and generally considered suitable for first-time keepers. That said, basic care like water quality maintenance and basking remains essential.

Q.How big do Reeves' Turtles get?

A.Reeves' Turtles can reach a shell length of up to about 30 cm, with females typically growing larger than males, whose maximum is around 19.9 cm.

Q.How long do Reeves' Turtles live?

A.In captivity, they typically live 10 to 15 years or more, and some individuals have lived beyond 20 years. It's wise to plan for long-term care from the start.

Q.Do Reeves' Turtles need to hibernate?

A.Activity slows during colder months, and depending on the setup, some form of overwintering care may be needed. Methods vary by environment, so thorough research beforehand is important.

Q.Are there legal regulations for keeping a Reeves' Turtle?

A.Reeves' Turtle is listed in CITES Appendix III (listed by China for its own populations). International trade needs documents such as a certificate of origin, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell in Japan.

Useful tools for Reeves' Turtle care

Learn more about Reeves' Turtle in the encyclopedia

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