Guyana Mata Mata Turtle

Buy juvenile Side-Necked Turtle online

Juvenile Side-Necked Turtles—especially African species like Pelomedusa subrufa and Pelusios castaneus—are hardy, semi-aquatic reptiles with unique anatomy and bold personalities. At the juvenile stage (typically 6 months to 3 years), they’re past the fragile hatchling phase but still small enough for manageable setups and rapid growth. Here’s a full breakdown tailored to your level:

🐢 Juvenile Side-Necked Turtle Profile

They belong to the Pleurodira suborder, meaning they tuck their heads sideways under the shell—unlike most turtles that retract straight back.

🧬 Common Species in Captivity

• African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)**
  • Hardy and widely available
  • Brown shell, olive skin, and perpetual “smile”
  • Excellent for beginners and breeders
• West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)**
  • Slightly more aquatic
  • Darker shell with subtle yellow markings
  • Known for strong feeding response
• Pink-Bellied Side-Neck (Emydura subglobosa)**
  • Native to New Guinea and Australia
  • Vivid pink plastron and high contrast shell
  • Popular in the exotic morph trade

🏡 Habitat & Setup

• Tank Size:
  • 40–60 liters (~10–15 gallons) minimum for juveniles
  • Upgrade as they grow
• Water Depth:
  • Deep enough for swimming; shallow basking area required
  • Use floating docks or smooth rocks
• Temps:
  • Water: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
  • Basking: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
  • Night: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
• Lighting: UVB + basking bulb essential
• Filtration: Moderate flow; canister or sponge filter
• Substrate: Bare bottom or smooth river stones

They thrive in semi-aquatic setups with shaded zones, floating plants, and hiding spots.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Feeding Frequency: Daily
• Diet Composition:
  • Protein: Bloodworms, chopped earthworms, shrimp, small crickets
  • Plant matter: Duckweed, water lettuce, chopped greens
• Supplements: Calcium + D3 powder 2–3x/week; cuttlebone in tank

Juveniles are opportunistic feeders—they’ll chase live prey and respond well to hand-feeding.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

• Bold and interactive: Will explore and bask once acclimated
• Responsive to routine: Thrive with consistent lighting and feeding
• Handling: Best kept minimal—observe rather than interact

They’re ideal for observation and training, especially in educational or display setups.

    Legal & Ethical Notes

• Always source captive-bred juveniles with documentation.
• Avoid wild-caught individuals—many species are protected or invasive.
• Never release into the wild—can disrupt native ecosystems.
• Buy juvenile Side-Necked Turtle online.