How big can a temple turtle grow? A detailed introduction to the adult temple turtle's size

The full name of the temple turtle is the yellow-headed temple turtle. It is an internationally endangered species and a national second-class protected animal in China. It is a typical large semi-aquatic turtle and, together with the Asian giant tortoise and the Asian giant softshell turtle, is known as the “three largest aquatic turtles” in Asia. So, how big can a temple turtle grow?

1. How big can a temple turtle grow?

A temple turtle can grow to more than 50 cm long, and at its largest can reach 80 cm long, with a maximum weight of more than 20 kg. Its growth rate is fast, and it can reach adulthood in 4-5 years. The carapace is usually between 50-60 cm.

The temple turtle is overall oval in shape, with a black carapace; the head is black, with irregular yellow horizontal stripes on the sides and around the eye sockets; the plastron is black to a mix of yellow and black, with some individuals being pale yellow; the limbs are grayish brown, and the tail is flesh-gray.

2. Where are temple turtles distributed?

Temple turtles are distributed in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) and other places. Their native environment is close to a tropical climate, with higher temperatures and a very short dormancy period, so they cannot adapt to the cold climate of northern China. If you want to keep them, except in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and southern Fujian, other places require heated housing.