Snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) has long necks that can bend and move in a serpentine fashion. It was first described in 1794. Snake-necked turtles are a group of side-necked turtles. Their necks range from nearly as long as the shell to slightly longer.
They inhabit the waterways of Australia and southern New Guinea. They have the longest necks of any group of turtles in the world. Because the neck is so long that it can’t be retracted completely beneath the margin of the shell. There are six species of turtles belonging to the genera Chelodina and Macrochelodina in the family Chelidae,
All aquatic turtles are great swimmers
Rather than swim, these reptiles prefer to walk along the bottom of streams. The aquatic turtles are carnivores and prey on fish. When hunting, the reptile holds its neck against its body.
When prey is close, the neck and head lunge forward. The animal opens its mouth and throat to create a vacuum. Water and prey are sucked into the mouth, which snaps shut. The mouth then opens slightly to allow water, but not the prey, to escape.
The common snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) is found from Queensland to South Australia.
The common snake-necked turtle prefers freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps with soft sand and muddy bottoms.
They seem more relaxed with plenty of plant cover above the water. Submerged stumps and tree branches below also contribute to their comfort.
Because it is a basking species, add a large branch that rises out from the water’s surface.
Without a proper basking spot, turtles can’t dry themselves appropriately or shed their old shells. As a result, turtles can develop shell and skin problems, like shell pyramiding.
Turtles also easily get a fungus on the shell if they do not bask often enough.
Water turtles need to dry off for other reasons. Leeches are a blood-sucking ectoparasite. They can cause anemia in reptiles.
Drying out in the sun causes the leeches to shrivel up and die. Algae on basking aquatic turtles can also dry out and fall off, allowing the shells to retain their aerodynamic nature.
Chelodina species, C. longicollis
The average lifespan of Chelodina longicollis ranges from 31 to 37 years. The lifespan of wild and captive individuals appears to be approximately equal; nonetheless, very few have been held in captivity. The snake-necked turtle reaches 10 inches in total shell length.
As a result, what makes this turtle unique is that its neck is nearly as long as its carapace. The common snake-necked turtle’s carapace is broad and flat, and it is typically dark brown to black. In contrast, the plastron is yellow with black lines after the seams.
Much as many aquatic turtles, common snake-necked turtles emit a foul-smelling liquid from their musk glands. They use this as a defense against predators. The smell is similar to that of a skunk, and it’s amazingly potent for such a small turtle.
This obnoxious odor is no doubt an effective deterrent to a curious dingo or monitor. Most noteworthy, Snake-neck turtles often stop exuding this musk in captivity.
KEEPING TURTLES INDOORS
Keep small turtles up to fifteen centimetres SCL (Straight Carapace Length) indoors. This allows easy monitoring.
A 4ft -8ft length aquarium is recommended, depending on the species. The width of the aquarium is very important for freshwater turtles and should be at least 2ft (front to back).
If your aquarium’s substrate is any deeper than this, anaerobic bacteria can cause unstable water chemistry. This includes high levels of ammonia and fluctuating pH. It can also produce toxic gas (hydrogen sulphide). The water depth should vary according to the size of your turtle.
The aquarium substrate should be made up of 2-3 inches of rock and river sand mix. Do not use beach sand as it has sharp, angular edges. On fact, it is important to build beneficial bacteria.
Very small turtles should start with a water depth of a couple of inches. Larger turtles can have a full aquarium providing they cannot escape.
It is not recommended to have an enclosed hood on your turtle aquarium, as constant humidity can cause respiratory infections. Dangerous black mold can also be an issue in humid conditions.
You may add a handful of aquarium salt if your water conditions are poor. Do not add salt when replacing evaporated water.
Dissolved salts in your water detoxify ammonia and nitrites, which are the first two nitrogenous compounds of the nitrogen cycle.
WATER QUALITY
Water quality in a pond or aquarium situation is very important. It can mean the difference between owning healthy turtles and constantly sick turtles.
Dirty water can promote many diseases and skin conditions that would not normally occur in their natural environment. Whilst in captivity, a turtle’s ailment can be worse than if it had the same problem in the wild. This can be due to many factors, including the increased stress linked to being kept in unnatural conditions.
Sparkling clear water is not always an indication of its purity. Many ‘invisible factors’ can have detrimental effects on your turtles’ health.
These include water acidity or alkalinity (pH), salinity, and temperature. Other factors are hardness and levels of chlorine, chloramines, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. Wherever possible, you should try to replicate the turtle’s natural environment.
WATER CHEMISTRY
The pH value measures the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. It relates to the hydroxyl ion (OH-) concentration in water. More hydrogen ions in a body of water mean the water is more acidic. This also results in a lower pH.
The more hydroxyl ions present then the higher the alkalinity and pH. A pH test kit is used to check the degree of alkalinity or acidity of water. pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being extremely acidic and 14 being extremely alkaline. Most basic test kits range from 6.0 to 8.0, with neutral being 7.0. Sudden fluctuations and values outside these measurements can be harmful to plants, fish, and other animal life.
Carbonate Hardness
Carbonate hardness can best be described as the levels of carbonate and bicarbonate found within water. Carbon dioxide dissolved in water reacts with calcium and magnesium to form carbonates. Heated water in tropical aquariums can cause the carbon dioxide to be released. A white, crusty deposit (calcium and magnesium) will form on the glass.
The Carbonate hardness of water and pH go hand in hand. Carbonate hardness helps to control and stabilize the pH. Acids produced in anaerobic pond and aquarium biological filtration systems lack oxygen.
These acids will reduce the carbonate hardness value found in water. This reduction makes it difficult to keep the pH stable. Raising carbonate hardness levels can be done by adding Turtle Grit. Carbonate hardness test kits are available from most good aquarium outlets or pet shops. The ideal level of carbonate hardness in a turtle tank is 80ppm.
General Hardness
Water can contain many dissolved substances from organic and inorganic compounds, which are described as ‘trace elements’. Many of these trace elements are important in sustaining life within all ecosystems. They include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfates, and chlorides. General Hardness is the level of calcium and magnesium concentrations found within a body of water.
General hardness occurs when acids react with magnesium and calcium. This reaction forms calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium chloride. The desired range for general hardness is between 180ppm and 200ppm. General Hardness can also be raised by adding Turtle Grit to your aquarium substrate.
Salinity
Adding between 4-5 grams of pure evaporated sea salt (pool salt with no additives) to every litre of water (0.4% – 0.5%) will help reduce the chances of your turtle getting skin infections. Salt also inhibits diseases and helps to destroy infectious microorganisms. Never use iodised salt or salt with added caking agents.
OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES
Turtles over 6 inches in shell length can be kept in larger ponds outdoors. A fiberglass pond or pond liner, which can be purchased from most large garden nurseries, is perfect for beginners. Make sure to choose a fiberglass pond without pebbles or stones covering the inside. Otherwise, scarring and infections occur in your turtle’s shell. For the serious enthusiast, a pond can be constructed of concrete.
A builder should be consulted to find out the thickness of the walls. They can also suggest the amount of steel reinforcing to use. Additionally, they can suggest the best product to seal the concrete with. Water depth should be at least 12 inches. This depth allows turtles to mate successfully. It also helps prevent the water from overheating during the summer.
The pond should be situated where it will get as much sunlight as possible. This is especially important in the morning. Turtles like to bring themselves to their ideal temperature so they can begin their daily activities.
Offer shade to an area of the pond. This allows them to escape from the harsh midday sun. It also offers a place to hide when they feel threatened. Build a wall at least 35 inches high around your enclosure to prevent escape because turtles are extremely good climbers.
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