How big does a Chinese stripe-necked turtle usually grow? Adult size introduction

The Chinese stripe-necked turtle, also known as the pearl turtle and the long-tailed turtle, is a rare turtle in China. Because its shell is attractive and it is easy to keep, it is widely kept as a pet. So how big can a Chinese stripe-necked turtle grow?

1. How big can a Chinese stripe-necked turtle grow?

An adult Chinese stripe-necked turtle's carapace can grow to about 11-24cm long, 10-17cm wide, and 5-11cm high, weighing around 5-7 jin. Its average lifespan is about 50 years. It is currently listed in the "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals Protected as Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Research Value" of China. It is distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, China and other places in China.

2. What does the Chinese stripe-necked turtle eat?

Under daily keeping conditions, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle can be fed pork, fish meat, small shrimp, and so on, and it especially likes to eat small river shrimp. Feed it 3 times a week, with each meal amounting to 5% of the turtle's body weight. This can be appropriately increased, but it must not be increased suddenly; it should be done gradually so that the turtle adapts slowly, in order to avoid causing indigestion. Whether the feed for the Chinese stripe-necked turtle is animal-based or plant-based, it must be kept fresh to prevent spoilage. When the temperature is not high, it can be fed in the morning; the amount put in should not be too much, to prevent leftover bait from polluting the water quality.

In summer, when the water temperature is around 34°C, the turtle eats a relatively large amount. At this time, the feeding amount should be increased to accelerate the turtle's growth. If breeding is not needed, it can also be fed 2-3 times a week. In daily care, the water should be changed frequently (this can be done before feeding), but well water must not be used, in order to avoid too great a temperature difference causing adverse consequences. Autumn is the key period for keeping turtles. As the saying goes, nourish the bones in spring and put on fat in autumn. The amount of nutrients stored in the turtle's body directly affects the success or failure of the turtle's hibernation. Therefore, in autumn, the feeding amount should first be increased, and second, vitamin C and multivitamins should also be added to the bait to improve the turtle's resistance.

Overall, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle can grow to 11-24cm long and 10-17cm wide, but if it is kept well, it may grow even longer.