EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

ca

Provided by Roxy’s Pet Shop – Expert care advice for all your exotic pets

The Pink-Bellied Side-Necked Turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a striking freshwater turtle known for its beautiful pink to red underside and curious, active nature. Native to Papua New Guinea and parts of Australia, these turtles make fascinating pets for experienced keepers and beginners willing to learn.

• Tank Size: Juveniles can start in a 2ft (around 60L) tank, but adults need at least 3-4 -ft tank with a powerful filter.
   
• Water Depth: Provide enough depth for swiming 12–18 inches of clean, dechlorinated water.
   
• Basking Area: Must include a dry dock or floating platform with UVB lighting and a heat lamp to allow drying and temperature regulation.
   
• Water Heater: Maintain water temperature at 24–27°C (75–80°F). Use a submersible aquarium heater.
   
• Lighting: Provide a UVB light (8/10 hours/day) and basking light (around 32°C/90°F at the basking spot).
   

• Staple Foods: High-quality aquatic turtle pellets (e.g., ReptoMin or similar).
   
• Protein: Occasional treats like bloodworms, earthworms, or cooked shrimp.
   
• Vegetables: Offer chopped leafy greens (kale, dandelion, romaine lettuce) and aquatic plants.
   
• Calcium: Provide a cuttlefish bone or reptile calcium supplement to support shell health.
   

• Pink-bellied turtles are generally active, alert, and inquisitive, but prefer minimal handling to reduce stress.
   
• Always wash hands after tank maintenance or handling your turtle.
   

• Filtration: Use a strong external filter (canister preferred) to keep water clean and reduce maintenance.
   
• Cleaning: Partial water changes (25–30%) weekly; full clean monthly or as needed.
   
• Shell Health: Watch for soft spots, discoloration, or fungus. UVB light and a proper diet are essential for shell development.
   
• Common Issues: Respiratory infections (symptoms: wheezing, floating lopsided), shell rot, or vitamin deficiency. If you notice any of these, consult a reptile vet.
   

• These turtles get their name from their unusual sideways neck retraction method.
   
• Males often have longer tails and are slightly smaller than females.
   
• With proper care, they can live 20–30 years in captivity.
   

We stock everything you need, including:

• Full turtle setups (60cm & 80cm)
   
• UVB and basking bulbs
   
• Filters, heaters, and water treatments
   
• High-quality turtle food and supplements
   
• Friendly advice tailored to your setup
  

Visit us at Bloxwich High Street or call 01922 492521 – we're here to 

• Would you like care sheets written for other reptiles or pets