An Introduction to the Types of Ornamental Turtles and the Characteristics of Common Species

Ornamental turtles is a general term for turtles kept for ornamental purposes. Because of their unique appearance, gentle temperament and relatively long lifespan, they are favored by many pet-keeping enthusiasts. According to their living habits, ornamental turtles can be broadly divided into three major categories: aquatic turtles, semi-aquatic turtles and tortoises, and different groups differ markedly in how they are kept.

Common aquatic turtles include the red-eared slider, the Chinese pond turtle, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle and the false map turtle. Most of them like to move about in the water, and when keeping them you need to provide a basking platform and pay attention to water quality management. The Chinese box turtle and others belong to the semi-aquatic turtles, and their enclosure setup must accommodate both land and water areas. Tortoises such as the Burmese mountain tortoise and the African spurred tortoise feed mainly on plant-based food and need relatively stable temperature and lighting conditions.

When choosing an ornamental turtle, it is generally recommended to select a healthy individual that is lively, has bright eyes and an intact, undamaged shell. In daily keeping, pay attention to keeping water temperature, water quality and lighting stable, feed at regular times and in set amounts, avoid overfeeding that pollutes the water, and regularly observe the turtle's activity and feeding condition.

It should be noted that some turtles are wildlife under key state protection or species controlled by international conventions. Before buying and keeping them, you should understand the relevant laws and regulations and choose species from legal sources, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble from mistakenly keeping protected animals.