Pink Belly Sideneck Turtles are named for their characteristic appearance. They typically have a red-pink belly. Their shell is grey, and they have a breastplate of grey coral pink.
The pink-bellied side-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa) typically has two yellow stripes on its neck. Its head is usually green and grey.
These turtles are considered favorites in the reptile world because of their beautiful shell and their level temperament.
Originally found in Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Usually hatching at 1.25 inches in length, the species can grow up to 10 inches after a decade.
Distinguishing the sexes can be done when the turtle is roughly 5 inches in length. Males will typically have thicker tails, while females have shorter and slighter tails.
The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle is unique. It can adapt to other turtle species, unlike Snapping Turtles and Large Musk Turtles. It is estimated that the breed can live up to 50 years.
A single pink-bellied side-necked turtle hatchling needs a 20-gallon aquarium at a minimum once it has reached four inches long.
As the hatching grows, its area should be increased by 10 gallons for each inch it grows. Adults reach lengths of 8 to 9 inches.
If the water isn’t constantly flowing, the turtle benefits from a filtration system to keep its water clean between changes.
River sand on the floor of the enclosure mimics the turtle’s natural habitat.
Rocks, greenery, cork bark, and partially-submerged logs offer the turtle opportunities to leave the water. The turtle can use these structures when it wants to bask.
The Pink Belly Sideneck Turtle was originally rare. It has been successfully bred in captivity. Therefore, there is a strong supply of the species in the market.
Like all other turtles, the pink belly digs holes to bury their eggs inside.
These aquatic turtles come out of the water to lay between 7 and 14 eggs, with 10 being the average. The eggs are hard-shelled, oval-shaped, and usually about an inch long.
An early sign of viability is the yolk settling to the bottom half of the shell. You should mark the top with a pencil. Marking with the date will help in the future.
Use a clean plastic food container. The size of the container will depend on the number and size of the eggs. It has to be shallow enough to fit inside the incubator.
The eggs should be placed close to each other in a single layer. Another pad of damp newspaper is placed compactly over the top of the eggs. The lids need holes cut into them for ventilation. Some hobbyists prefer Vermiculite. Others use a newspaper as the base and cover. Both techniques have been successful, from what we have read.
The eggs in their containers are incubated in an electric incubator kept at 81° – 83° F. for 42 to 49 days. We made a huge mistake and incubated the eggs along with the tortoises. This caused them to hatch in 29 days. With only one baby striving to live.
The babies hatch in a position inside the shell. Their head is turned to the side and tucked into the axillary hollow (between the neck and front leg). The hatchling must rotate in the shell when ready to hatch.
In doing so, its caruncle (egg tooth) cuts a circular ring all around the shell at the head end. They usually do not hatch right away. They will sit in the egg, peering out of the hole they have made. They wait until they feel ready to emerge.
Temperature and Lighting
Pink-bellied side-necked turtles are aquatic turtles and spend most of their time in the water.
They do need daylight and do best in natural sunlight. If they are kept indoors, they need a full-spectrum light during daylight hours. Alternatively, they need the combination of a 75-watt spotlight and a Vita-lite or other UVB bulbs during daylight hours.
Water temperatures should be between 66 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hatchlings need somewhat warmer water. Their ideal temperature range is in the low 70s to low 80s.
The temperature of the turtles’ water can be monitored with a thermometer permanently affixed to the side of their tank.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, these turtles feed primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects that share their river habitat.
Captive pink-bellied side-necked turtles don’t have overly specific dietary requirements and eat a variety of plants and animals.
They easily adjust to whatever feeding schedule their owner finds convenient, as long as they’re fed approximately every other day.
Commercial turtle pellets and cut fish are adequate. Yet, pink-bellied side-necked turtles also enjoy a variety of vegetables. They also like worms, chicken, and lean beef. We have minnows available at all times in the turtle enclosures.
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