Freshwater turtles of the Pink Belly Sideneck species (Emydura subglobosa) are indigenous to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. They can turn their heads sideways within their shells and have unique pink or reddish bellies.
Due to their toughness and tiny size, pink belly sidenecks are popular pets, but they need particular care and habitat conditions to grow. They consume both plant and animal stuff in their diversified diet because they are eaters.
These turtles can be kept in groups because of their sociable nature and can get along with others of a similar size and temperament, although care should be taken to avoid stressing them out.
| Name | Pink Belly SlideNeck Turtle | |||
| Scientific Title | Emydura subglobosa | |||
| Size | 5-to-16 inches | |||
| Average Age | 30–50 years | |||
| Diet | Emydura subglobosa eats a wide range of animal and plant debris, including insects, woms, snails, shrimp, crayfish, tiny fish, and aquatic plants. | |||
| Housing | Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles require an aquatic habitat with a basking area, a water heater, a water filter, and appropriate lighting. |
Origin
The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is indigenous to a number of nations in the Asia-Pacific area, include areas of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia. The Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, as well as a few outlying islands, are home to them in the wild. Rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes are just a few of the watery places that these turtles call home.
They require particular temperature and humidity conditions to grow because they are used to dwelling in warm, humid settings. Pink Belly Sidenecks are common in the pet industry, however they are not currently threatened and are categorised as “Least Risk” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.
Physical appearance and Behavioral traits
Pink Sideneck Belly With a flattened, oval-shaped shell that is normally dark green or brown with a lighter-colored plastron, turtles (Emydura subglobosa) have a beautiful look (belly). They contrast from other species due to their pink or reddish belly, as their names indicate.
They have an unique look due to their long neck, which can retract sideways inside their shell. Pink Belly Sidenecks are social animals and can be maintained in groups, but it’s important to make sure they’re living with people of a similar size and temperament that get along with them.
These turtles are active during the day and can frequently be spotted swimming or sunbathing. They have a reputation for being bright and curious, and they can eventually identify their owners.
Growth and Longevity
Pink Sideneck Belly Turtles (Emydura subglobosa) are very little turtles, growing up to a maximum length of about 5 to 16 inches . Although males are typically a little bit smaller than females, both sexes are capable of living about as long.
Pink Belly Sidenecks can live up to 20 years or more in the wild, and with the right care, they can survive up to 30 years or longer in captivity. A turtle’s lifespan may be impacted by elements like nutrition, water quality, temperature, and general health. To maintain the longevity and wellbeing of pink belly sideneck turtles, it is important to provide them with a proper home and a balanced food.
Personality and Behavior
The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a suitable choice for an animal because to its loving and active nature. They can be kept in groups or pairs and are social animals that get along well with their keepers. Pink Belly Sidenecks are busy during the day and take pleasure in sunbathing, swimming, and discovering their surroundings.
Yet if they feel threatened or are not given the right care, they can become anxious or angry, just like any other animal. To ensure their happiness and pleasure, it is important to handle them gently and to give an appropriate environment with adequate room, places to hide, and the right temperature and lighting.
Housing
Emydura subglobosa pink belly sideneck turtles need a sizable aquarium with proper filtration, as well as a basking place with heat and Ultraviolet lights. Regular water changes are required, and the water’s temperature should be maintained between 75 and 80°F (24 and 27°C). You can use smooth gravel or river rocks as a substrate, and the decor should be safe for turtles.
Habitat Requirements
For Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles (Emydura subglobosa) to survive, their habitat must be large. For one or two adult turtles, a tank should be at least 40 gallons in size, however bigger is usually preferable. For several turtles or larger individuals, a 75-gallon tank or bigger is excellent. Turtles require plenty of room to swim and explore, so it’s crucial to provide a tank that’s long enough to let them do so.
Having a basking area big enough for all the turtles to climb out of the water and dry off is also important. Generally speaking, the enclosure should be constructed to closely resemble the turtles’ natural habitat. To do this, it should have plants, stones, and other hiding places. Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles can grow in captivity if given a suitable environment with lots of space.
Enclosure Maintenance
Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles (Emydura subglobosa) need a clean environment on a regular basis to stay healthy and happy. Unfinished food, waste, and garbage should be removed from the water and substrate every day, and water quality should be maintained by performing weekly water changes of 25–50%.
Also, the enclosure should take a deep cleaning every few months and the filter should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks. Moreover, good hygiene habits like washing your hands both before and after handling the turtles should be followed. The environment for your pet turtles is kept clean and healthy thanks to these cleaning procedures.
Turtle Interaction and Care
Emydura subglobosa Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle handling can be enjoyable for both the turtle and the owner, but it’s necessary to do so carefully to avoid stress and harm.
It is best to approach these turtles gently, hold their bodies steady with both hands, avoid making sudden movements, keep handling sessions brief, and always wash your hands before and after handling. These basic tips can ensure a satisfying handling experience for you and your pet turtles.
Health Concerns and Common Issues
The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a hardy and generally healthy animal, but like all living things, it is sensitive to several health problems. The following are some typical ailments that may harm pink-bellied sideneck turtles:
- Lethargy, indifference, nasal discharge, and mouth breathing are signs of respiratory illnesses. Poor water quality, cold temperatures, or other stressors can result in respiratory illnesses.
- Vitamin deficiencies can result in issues like soft or damaged shells in Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles, including limited Ultra violet sunlight exposure or a bad diet.
- When turtles are housed in muddy or unhygienic settings, a bacterial ailment called shell rot can develop. Soft, discoloured, or pitted regions on the shell are indicators of shell rot.
- Pink Belly parasites Internal and external parasites that affect sideneck turtles can result in symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss, and lethargy.
It’s important to speak with a vet who specialises in reptile care if your Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle develops any symptoms of disease or unusual behaviour. Many of these health problems can be prevented with regular checkups and the right care.
Breeding
While breeding Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles can be a difficult procedure, with the right planning and care, it can also be beneficial. These turtles often breed in the warmer months when they are between 3 and 5 years old and sexually mature.
The female will lay eggs in a good nesting location after being approached and nibbled on the neck by males during courtship. The eggs will hatch after around 60 days of gestation, and the young can be nurtured in a separate enclosure with the right amount of heat and light.
Before attempting to breed Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles, it is important to do thorough research and speak with a reptile breeding expert because poor breeding techniques can cause the turtles’ health issues or even death.
Selecting and Purchasing a Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle
It takes considerable planning and consideration to choose and purchase a Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle, in order to guarantee that you can provide a suitable and healthy environment for your new pet.
While choosing a turtle, it’s crucial to take into account aspects like its size and lifespan, housing needs, diet, and nutritional requirements, as well as any legal requirements and the reputation of the breeder or seller.
You can make sure that your new pet thrives in your care by doing your research and taking the time to choose a healthy and well-cared-for turtle.
Age, size, and location are just a few of the factors that could impact how much a Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle costs. They can cost anywhere between $30 to $100, but rarer colour variants or particular features may attract a higher cost.
Remember that the cost of purchasing a turtle is just the beginning; the total cost of ownership should also take into account ongoing costs for things like food, supplies, and veterinary care.
Conclusion:
Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles are unique and lovely animals that, if given the proper care and attention, may make wonderful pets. They are a preferred option among turtle lovers because of their special appearance and warm personality. But, it’s important to keep in mind that caring for a turtle requires a major investment of time, effort, and money. You can make sure that your pet grows in your care by doing some study and learning about the particular requirements of Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles, providing suitable habitat and diet, and obtaining veterinary care when necessary. In general, having a Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle as a pet may be satisfying and enjoyable for both you and your new companion.
