Popular Types of Shallow Water Turtles Explained
Shallowwater turtles, often referred to as semiaquatic turtles, are those that are not particularly adept at swimming. This category includes species such as the grass turtle, flower turtle, yellowthroated turtle, golden coin turtle, and yellowmargined turtle, among others. These turtles can be kept in shallow water, but they are not suited to deep水域. They require regular periods of land rest and have a need for basking in the sun, so it's important to ensure their sunbathing requirements are met during their care.
What Are SemiAquatic Turtles?
1. Golden Coin Turtle: These turtles, which breathe using lungs, are amphibious and are often found in mountainous or hilly regions, inhabiting valleys, streams, and lakes. They may occasionally climb onto moist valleys, grasslands, and rice fields. When keeping golden coin turtles, it's advisable to maintain water levels at about 1.3 to 1.5 times the height of the turtle's body. This allows them to move naturally in the water, preventing drowning in excessively deep waters and ensuring their growth isn't hindered by too shallow water.
2. YellowMargined Turtle: Wild yellowmargined turtles prefer habitats with dense vegetation and shrubs, often hiding in dark, moist areas under tree roots or in crevices. They are social creatures, often seen in groups in the same caves. Their homes are typically dark but close to water sources.
3. YellowThroated Pond Turtle: This species thrives in shallow water environments, with wild individuals often found in hilly areas and river valleys near water bodies. They may also venture into shrubbery and rice fields.
4. Ambush Box Turtle: The ambush box turtle is a frequent inhabitant of wetlands, ponds, rivers, and paddy fields, all characterized by slowmoving water and soft substrates.
5. Golden Head Box Turtle: This turtle is often found in mountain valleys and clear池塘, as well as in shrubbery near water sources.
6. Asian Giant Tortoise: This semiaquatic species spends its youth in the water, but adult individuals can live on land, though they still need to return to the water occasionally and cannot be too far from a water source.
7. Spiny Turtle: The spiny turtle prefers clear streams in mountainous areas, though they lack webbed feet and are not strong swimmers. They are often spotted crawling along riverbanks and in moist forests.
8. Brazilian Turtle: The Brazilian turtle is a terrestrial and aquatic animal, commonly found in rivers, lakes, and streams. They may occasionally leave the water to forage on the shore.
9. Grass Turtle: The grass turtle prefers still or slowmoving waters in hilly regions, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and rice fields. They rarely inhabit fastflowing waters or deep depths.
These aforementioned species are all shallowwater turtles. When caring for these turtles, it's crucial to provide them with an environment that caters to their habits. Maintain shallow water conditions, ensuring the water depth does not exceed 1.5 to 2 times their body height, allowing them to move freely and rest on land as needed. Excessive depth or prolonged submersion in deep water poses a drowning risk. If the turtles require basking, a sunning platform should be provided in their habitat for resting and basking on land.