Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis)

Yellow-spotted River Turtle Podocnemis unifilis
Name	Yellow-spotted River Turtle
Name Lat.	Podocnemis unifilis
Family	Afro-American River Turtles
Family lat.	Podocnemididae
Order	Turtles
Order lat.	Testudines
Origin	N-South America
Habitat	Rivers, lakes
Diet	Veggies, fish, crayfish
Humidity	60-90 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Experts only
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Aquaterrarium
Life Span	25-30 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	45 cm
Temperature	28-30 °C
Temperature Local	35-40 °C
Housing Size	300x150x100 cm
US Units
Size	18"
Temperature	82-86 °F
Temperature Local	95-104 °F
Housing Size	120" x 60" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The Terekay's rail turtles are native to the north of South America (Colombia, Venezuela) as well as the upper reaches of the Amazon (Peru, Brazil). They live in slow-flowing and stagnant waters as well as swamps with soft bottoms and protected basking areas on the banks.

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. 300 x 150 x 150 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet place.

The water part, with a soft substrate of sand or fine gravel, should be structured with robust aquatic plants, bog pine roots and large stones (visual barriers and hiding places), some of which reach the water surface. In addition, the water surface should be covered with many floating plants. In addition, they need a heated (bottom heating), sandy land part (island), which should be clearly elevated above the water surface, as a basking place and for egg laying. To maintain water quality, a very powerful filter and frequent water changes are recommended.

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 20-24 °C

Temp. local: 35-40 °C

Water temp.: 24-28 °C

The lighting duration should be 10-14 hrs. depending on the season. They need daily UV irradiation and sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

They require mainly plant food. The food supply consists of aquatic plants (e.g. waterweed), algae, lettuce, endive, dandelion, tomatoes and fruit (e.g. bananas, apples) supplemented with pelleted water turtle food. In addition, occasionally some animal food, such as pieces of fish, shrimp, crabs, snails, etc., which is also accepted frozen, or gelatin food. It is important to regularly add minerals and vitamins as well as cuttlebone

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

Reproduction and breeding

Males have a concave ventral carapace (plastron) and a much longer tail

There may be several clutches per year. The female buries her eggs, 6-72 per clutch, near water. The incubation period is 60-90 days at 26-32 °C

Life expectancy can be 25-30 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping. Subsequently, all arrivals and departures must be reported.

Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it in a safe place!  Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

They live largely aquatic, require a spacious swimming area and only leave the water for sunbathing and egg laying. Although the animals are very compatible with each other, care must be taken to ensure that low-ranking animals receive sufficient food. The air temperature must always be at least 2-3 °C higher than the water temperature. For a 10-12 week winter rest period, the temperature is lowered by 3-4 °C and the lighting duration is reduced by 2-3 hours. Controlled outdoor housing during the summer months is possible. In order not to distort the native fauna, they must not be released into the wild under any circumstances. Particular attention should be paid to good water quality.

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: Franz Lowak

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

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF