Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been keeping my eye on this species for quite sometime. Anyone working with them currently?

Jay

Jay,
Which black pond turtle? Do you mean Geoclemmys hamiltoni, or Chinemys nigricans or Siebenrockiella crassicollis? I think all three of them have been called black pond or marsh turtles at one time or another.

Sorry about that. I wasn't aware several species shared the same common/generic name. I have seen some refer to the Black Ponds as 'Smiling turtles' too. Thanks Mayday.

Jay

Neat critters - remind me of "miniature" Orlitia. Imports can have parasite-overload issues (be aware). When healthy, they aren't trickey to feed. They're weak swimmers, and prefer to wobble around in quiet water like mud/musk turtles. As with those turtles, they like cover.

"Fat-headed" turtles (yet another name - darned common names...) like waaarm water. Eighty Fahrenheit or even a bit warmer. I found this species suffers quicker than any other batagurid/geoemydid species of similar origin when exposed to prolonged chilly temps.

Thanks for the info Casi. Now I just need to locate some decent/healthy specimens and get them up here.

Jay

Contact Eric at empireoftheturtle.com He has a lot of experience with them and acclimating new imports too.

NP.