Reeves’ Turtle (Mauremys reevesii)

Reeves’ Turtle Mauremys reevesii
Name	Reeves’ Turtle
Name Lat.	Mauremys reevesii
Synonym	Chinemys reevesii
Family	Asian River Turtles
Family lat.	Geoemydidae
Order	Turtles
Order lat.	Testudines
Origin	Eastern Asia
Habitat	Shallow waters
Diet	Insects, fish, plant matter
Humidity	60-80 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Aquaterrarium
Life Span	20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix III; EU Annex C
Metric Units
Size	15-23 cm
Temperature	25-28 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	120 x 60 x 50 cm
US Units
Size	6"-9"
Temperature	77-82 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	45" x 25" x 20"

Distribution and habitat

The range of the Chinese Three-keeled Turtle is southeastern China, Korea, Taiwan and parts of Japan. They live in slow-flowing and stagnant waters such as lakes, swamps, ponds and rice fields with soft bottoms and dense vegetation that also provides sheltered basking sites.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the aquaterrarium, according to the size and number of animals

floor space for 1-2 animals: 5PL x 2,5PL (L x W)

Water level: 2PB

The carapace length (PL) and carapace width (PB) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 10%, and for the 5th animal and larger, increase the footprint by 20%. An aquaterrarium of e.g. 120 x 60 x 50 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet place

The water part, about two thirds of the base area, should be structured with a soft substrate of fine gravel, with roots, aquatic plants and larger stones (hiding places), some of which reach the water surface. The water depth should not exceed twice the carapace width of the animals. The terrestrial part with a substrate of soft sand-earth mixture should be equipped with robust plants and roots as well as offer sunning places. To maintain water quality, a powerful filter with low flow and frequent water changes are recommended.

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 18-20 °C

Temp. local: 35 °C

Water temp.: 20-28 °C

The lighting duration should be 8-14 hrs. depending on the season. They need daily UV irradiation and sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

They are omnivores and require a balanced mixture of animal and vegetable food. The food supply consists of commercial water turtle food, supplemented with small crustaceans, snails, earthworms, shrimp, fish pieces, etc., which are also well accepted frozen. In addition, they need vegetable food, such as lettuce, water plants, etc., and occasionally sweet fruit (e.g. banana). Regular addition of minerals and vitamins is important, also cuttlebone should be constantly available

At least 1-2 fasting days per week are recommended. A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The much smaller males have a concave ventral carapace and the anal opening is closer to the tip of the tail than in the female.

Usually three clutches of 4-9 eggs per year. Eggs are buried on land about 20 cm deep in soft sandy substrate. Incubation period is 63-85 days at a temperature of 28 °C

Life expectancy can be over 20 years.

Species protection

Species protection: WA Appendix III; EU Appendix C. The animal population is not yet acutely endangered, but is under surveillance in China. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

The air temperature must always be at least 2-3 °C higher than the water temperature. It is important that the animals can dry in their sunny spot.

For the 6-8 week winter hibernation period, the temperature is lowered to 8-15 °C and the lighting time is reduced by 2-3 hours. Winter dormancy can be done in water or soil-moist substrate. The animals can be kept in an outdoor facility during the warm summer months.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag; ROGNER (2009): Taschenatlas Schildkröten, Verlag Ulmer

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF