An Introduction to Ornamental Turtle Species and the Care Characteristics of Common Varieties

Ornamental turtles are turtles kept for viewing purposes, and they can be broadly divided into three major categories based on their living environment: aquatic turtles, semi-aquatic turtles, and tortoises. Different species vary considerably in appearance, habits, and care methods. Before choosing one, you need to understand its living habits clearly in order to keep it long-term.

Common aquatic turtles include the red-eared slider, the Chinese pond turtle, the Chinese striped-neck turtle, and the false map turtle. Among them, the red-eared slider has red markings on the sides of its head, is highly adaptable, and is the most common beginner species; the Chinese pond turtle is a native turtle species in China, is gentle in temperament, and is relatively tolerant of rough care. Semi-aquatic turtles are represented by the yellow-throated pond turtle and the yellow-margined box turtle; they can move about in shallow water and also need a land area to be set up for resting.

Tortoises such as the Burmese mountain tortoise and the African spurred tortoise mainly eat plant-based food and need a fairly large activity space and relatively high ambient temperatures. It should be noted that many tortoises are protected animals, so before keeping one, confirm whether private keeping of that species is permitted and buy it through proper channels to avoid violating relevant laws and regulations.

In daily care of ornamental turtles, pay attention to water quality, temperature, and lighting. Aquatic turtles need regular water changes to keep the water clean; most turtles have the habit of basking, and proper lighting helps shell development and calcium absorption. As for feeding, aquatic turtles are mostly omnivorous, so turtle food can be the staple, supplemented with fish, shrimp, and vegetables; tortoises mainly eat pasture grass and vegetable leaves. Feed them at fixed times and in fixed amounts, so the turtle's digestive burden is light and it naturally falls ill less easily.