It enchants people with its delicate appearance, which reminds us of pre-history.
The
Fresh Water Turtle is an irresistible tiny being for several reasons. The
ittybitty size, the delicate green and yellow stripes, the delicate movements
when diving into the water, swimming or getting out of the water to sun bathe,
or the way it accepts to eat from our hands, and have its head be caressed by
us.
It reproduces easily in captivity, starting to swim as soon as it leaves the egg. When it is born, it is the size of a match box (4cm). When adult, it measures a little more than a video tamp, about 25cm, after growing about 3cm a year. It may be raised in or outside the house, as long as the environment has water, good food and gets sun, plus a little sand for egg laying. It is recommended that when adult, it should be raised in couples.
There are two species in Brazil. One in nature, from the grassy marshes, rivers and lakes of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as Uruguay and the North of Argentina, but currently found in all parts of the country, because of its easy reproduction. This species, Trachemys dorbignyi, cannot be catched or comercialized - this is prohibited by law. The other one, of an American origin, is similar to ours and is legally for sale in pet shops. It is the Pseudemis scriptis elegans. It has orange markings on the sides of teh head, and the pattern under the body is different.
Sexual Identification: Only when they're adults,
about 5 or 6 years old. Female is larger, about 25cm. Male's size is about 20cm,
and his tail is longer and wider. The American adult male has claws in the
forelegs, much bigger than the ones in the back legs, or the adult female's.
Feeding: Feeding should be administered in the water - ground or
chopped raw meat and fish, chopped fruit and green vegetables. Put amount that
corresponds to 1% of Turtle's weight, and observe if it eats everything. In
case it does, repeat the operation, until it is satisfied. Another option is to
feed it German industrialized food special for reptiles: Reptomim, from Tetra
Werke. Each adult eats aproximately 12 pieces a day. Babies eat half until they
are 2 years old.
Accomodations: For two babies tank measuring at least 50 x 70cm is
necessary, and it may accomodate them until they are 4 years old, by which time
they will measure 15cm. If you are going to breed them with fishes, avoid
Tilapias and Carps. Install an air pump in the tank, as well as a thermostat,
heater, biological filter, and ornments and plants (turtles like to play with
them), putting it on a place where it can get sun light most part of the day. It
lives in water and land, so provide a platform for them to get out, and lie in
the sun. Put pebbles and tank rocks on it. After 3 years of age, babies may be
transferred to a bigger tank, as big as 1.000 liters, so they can reproduce.
During the breeding period, build a cement cube in a corner of the tank (12cm
high) with sand on it. The turtle will use it to sun bathe and lay egs, so make
a ramp so it will have access to the box. This will occupy about 1/3 of the
tank. The rest will be water, leveled under the sand box. Under the sand box,
install a tap, to drain water when cleaning. Ideal water temperature is 24 to 26°C;
avoid less than 20 degrees.
Reproduction: Mating takes place in July and August, and eggs are
laid from September to December. Each female lays an average of 10 eggs. To
garantee more births, dig the place carefully, take eggs out without shaking or
changing their position (mark them with a pencil), and transfer them to an
incubator, burying them in sand so they may hatch in 120 days. Bury them 10cm
under the sand, in the same position they were laid, with 27 to 29 degrees
temperature.
Health: Very resistent, it may present rachitis which makes shell
soft due to a lack of proteins. This may be corrected with more proteins in the
meals, specially fish. Placing turtles in rough surfaces may cause wounds under
shell, which will favor the entrance of fungus and bacterias. Handling them too
often is harmful, specially to babies, who may get sick.
Consulting: Luiz Antonio Bezerra de Mello, biologist at the
São Paulo Zoo
Research: Carmen Olivieri.Text: Marcos Pennacchi
Picture: Luiz Henrique Mendes
Owner: Fabio Duarte Corrêa
