Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle 5-6cm

The Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a colourful side-necked turtle known for its bright red or pink plastron and the yellow stripe along its face. Native to the rivers of New Guinea and northern Australia, it is an active, peaceful, and fully aquatic species that only leaves the water... Read More

The Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a colourful side-necked turtle known for its bright red or pink plastron and the yellow stripe along its face. Native to the rivers of New Guinea and northern Australia, it is an active, peaceful, and fully aquatic species that only leaves the water to bask. With proper care, Red-bellied Short-necked Turtles can live 20 years or more.

Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle Care Guide:

Enclosure Size:
Juveniles: Minimum 75–100 litre aquarium.
Adults: Minimum 200–300 litre aquarium, as adults usually reach 15–25 cm.
Provide plenty of open swimming space and a dry basking platform.

Water Quality:
Use a strong canister filter rated for 2–3× the tank volume.
Use dechlorinated water and change 25–50% of the water weekly.
This species is sensitive to poor water quality, so keep the water clean and well-filtered.

Lighting & Temperature:
UVB: Essential. Provide a 10.0 UVB tube over the basking area for 10–12 hours a day.
Water Temperature: 25–28°C (use a submersible heater).
Basking Area: 30–32°C under a heat lamp.

Diet:
Food: Omnivorous—offer quality turtle pellets, leafy greens and aquatic plants, plus insects, shrimp, worms, and occasional fish.
Feeding Schedule:
Juveniles: Feed daily.
Adults: Feed every 2–3 days.
Supplementation: Provide a cuttlebone or calcium supplement to support shell health.

Handling:
Red-bellied Short-necked Turtles are calm but are best kept as display animals.
When handling is necessary, support the shell from both sides and wash your hands afterwards.

Red-bellied Short-necked Turtles are active, colourful, and peaceful. With clean water, proper UVB lighting, and a varied diet, they make a stunning addition to any reptile lover’s collection.