Chinese Pond Turtle
Mauremys reevesii
Chinese pond turtle: complete species guide (video in Chinese)
Basic info
🌟 Why keep a Chinese Pond Turtle?
Native to China
The Chinese pond turtle is a native Chinese species with a long history and deep cultural roots; it is the most characteristically Chinese turtle.
Gentle and quiet
Pond turtles have a mild temperament and do not compete for food, which suits keepers who enjoy calm observation.
Compact size
Adults reach only 15-20 cm, the smallest of the common species, so even a small tank can house one.
Reliable hibernator
Pond turtles hibernate naturally and reliably, which suits keepers who prefer a natural approach.
Good value
Pond turtles are inexpensive: hatchlings cost around CNY 20-80, giving strong value for money.
Long-lived
Pond turtles can live 15-25 years, so they stay with you for a long time.
Housing
Common problems
Skin rot
Cause: Poor water quality, stress
Solution: Improve water quality, reduce disturbance, and apply povidone-iodine to the affected area.
White eye disease
Cause: Poor water quality, bacterial infection
Solution: Apply erythromycin eye ointment to the affected eye, dry-dock for 4 hours then return to water, raise the water to 28°C, and continue for 7-14 days.
Pneumonia
Cause: Large temperature swings
Solution: Keep a stable temperature, avoid draughts, and raise to 28-30°C to observe and treat.
Refusing food
Cause: Temperature too low, environmental change
Solution: Raise the temperature above 22°C, let the turtle settle quietly, and try krill to tempt it.