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Buy adult Red-Eared Slider online.
Adult Slider Turtles, especially Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-Eared Sliders), are robust, semi-aquatic reptiles known for their adaptability, long lifespan, and bold personalities. They’re ideal for intermediate to advanced keepers who want a visually engaging and interactive turtle. Here’s a full breakdown tailored to your level:
🐢 Species Profile: Adult Slider Turtles
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Males: 6–8 inches; Females: 8–12 inches shell length |
| Weight | Up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years in captivity; some documented up to 60 |
| Temperament | Active, intelligent, and social with familiar keepers |
| Shell Type | Smooth, oval carapace with green, olive, or dark hues and yellow striping |
They’re one of the most widely kept pet turtles globally, and also one of the most commonly traded.
🎨 Visual Traits
- Carapace: Green to olive with yellow striping; may darken with age
- Plastron: Yellow with dark symmetrical blotches
- Skin: Green with yellow stripes and signature red ear patches behind the eyes
- Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males: Longer claws, longer tails, smaller overall size
- Females: Larger, broader shells
Some older males may turn completely dark gray or black, especially in cooler climates.
🏡 Habitat & Setup
- Tank Size:
- Minimum 100 gallons for one adult
- Larger setups or outdoor ponds preferred for multiple sliders
- Water Depth: Deep enough for full swimming; minimum 2× shell length
- Temps:
- Water: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- Basking: 88–95°F (31–35°C)
- Lighting: UVB + basking bulb essential for shell health
- Filtration: High-capacity canister filter or pond-grade system
- Substrate: Bare bottom or smooth river rocks; avoid gravel
Provide floating platforms, logs, and aquatic plants for enrichment.
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
- Omnivorous:
- Protein: Shrimp, earthworms, feeder fish, boiled egg
- Veggies: Romaine, dandelion, collards, squash
- Aquatic plants: Duckweed, water lettuce
- Feeding Frequency:
- Adults: Every other day
- Juveniles: Daily
- Supplements: Calcium block or cuttlebone in tank; D3 powder 2x/week
They’re visual feeders and respond well to hand-feeding and routine.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
- Social: Recognize keepers and may beg for food
- Active: Enjoy basking, swimming, and exploring
- Handling: Tolerates brief handling but prefers water-based interaction
They’re interactive and intelligent, often responding to movement and voice.
⚠️ Legal & Ethical Notes
- Invasive in many regions—never release into the wild
- Always source captive-bred adults with documentation
- Check local regulations—some areas restrict ownership or trade
- Buy adult Red-Eared Slider online
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