Fly River Turtle
(Carettochelys insculpta)
Contributed by:Stuart Dodsworth of www.reptiletrust.com
Distribution
This completely aquatic turtle originates from the streams and rivers of New Guinea, it is still quite rare in captivity.
Size
Fly River Turtles can reach sizes of up to 50cm (20 inches).
Diet
When choosing their food try to avoid fatty foods, especially large quantities of red meat as this may cause many digestive problems later in life.
Eats fish, worms and the occasional piece of water plants. A varied diet should be fed in order to maintain a healthy balance in their diet.
This will vary with the size of the animal from earthworms, wax worms and molluscs through to fish.
Requirements
Heat Source:For the water, a thermostatically controlled water heater will be required. For the basking area, a guarded reflector (spot lamp) will be required. This basking lamp should be turned off at night.
Thermostat: All heat sources should be thermostatically controlled in order to prevent the turtle from being over heated or becoming too cold.
Filtration:This is important to reduce foul smells and to keep the water clean. Under gravel filters do not work very well on turtles. You would be well advised to buy either a large internal filter or an external filter to help cope with the mess created by such creatures.
Land Areas: An area should be available which contains some soft, dry substrate for it to bury itself. A basking light may be fitted in this area.
Housing:An aquarium of 240cm x 90cm x 90cm (8 feet x 36 inches x 36 inches) is adequate for an adult. Soft substrate must be available in the base of the tank for them to bury into.
Hides:Aquatic hides should be placed in the water or a substrate which allows them to conceal themselves, in order to reduce stress in the animals.
Water:The water should be maintained at 50cm (20 inches) deep for an adult. This water should be maintained at approximately 26 - 27ºC (80ºF).
Salmonella
Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal.
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