Water Turtles
General Information
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Various species of water turtles are kept as pets in the United
States. Most of those purchased by hobbyists originate from the
southern and eastern regions of the U.S. By law, imported turtles of
most species must be at least 4 inches long. The trade in exotic
turtles has been increasing in recent years, especially in countries
with poor animal protection laws and abundant turtle populations.
Turtles inhabit all parts of the world with a temperate to warm
climate and are especially abundant in the tropics and subtropics.
Water turtles are found in a wide variety of habitats, including
ponds, swamps, small pools thick with vegetation, lakes of all sizes,
large streams and rivers.
All water turtles share some obvious physical characteristics,
such as a top and bottom shell and webbed feet. Many have developed
specific adaptions to cope with specific environmental conditions.
The Diamondback Terrapin, for example, is confined in its geographic
distribution to the brackish water of the coastal eastern U.S.
(brackish water has a salt content between that of fresh and sea
water). The Malaysian Snail-Eating Turtle survives well in its
environment on a diet of mainly snails.
The Mata Mata is an unusual-looking turtle that resembles the
rotting vegetation found on the bottoms of the relatively shallow
lakes and rivers in which it lives. It is a poor swimmer and rarely
leaves it aquatic habitat, except to lay eggs. The Mata Mata rests
motionless on the bottom, well camouflaged among the decomposing
vegetation, and lies in wait for its prey. The turtle can breathe
during these long intervals through a long, narrow nose (similar to a
snorkel), the end of which just breaks the surface of the water.
When a small fish or other prey animal swims by, the Mata Mata opens
its mouth and suck its prey in, all in a split second.
The juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtle's olive green-brown color
camouflages it well against the bottom of rivers in which it lives.
To attract prey within striking distance, it opens its mouth and
wiggles its unique bright pink, slender tongue. As a small fish
moves in for a closer look, it is quickly trapped in the turtle's
jaws. The adult Alligator Snapping Turtle, the largest freshwater
turtle in the world, can reach 200 lb or more, and can eat an entire
duck in one gulp!
Hobbyists should study and thoroughly familiarize themselves with
the natural history and habits of any turtle species they intend to
acquire before they select their new pet. This "homework" helps
ensure the turtle will thrive in captivity.
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