Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The recent posts have prompted me to ask the Pyxidea keepers how they acclimated their turtles. I have always loved them but have heard very negative things about how well they adapt---especially down here in south Florida. Others that I know were unable to keep them for very long and after several months they would suddenly languish and die. Is that typical??
Thanks

I think the key is in how they have been handled and shipped from asia to here and how long theyve been sitting in dealers bins etc.

I have some that I had to medicate and work with for a long time to get established, then again I have some that I got from Bushmaster last summer that haven't had a drug in them and have successfully produced offsping, their fecals and bloodwork ran clean and they thrive.

On the downside, I have had animals similar to what you described, they do poorly and take a dive and die.

Steve

Anyone know the breeding size of Pyxidea? I have a 6" male which I've had for almost 10 years and a 5" female for over 5 years. The male constantly mounts the female, but no eggs yet. Based on the literature, I would think they are big enough to breed. Interestingly, I once saw an 8" monster Pyxidea at an importers about 10 years ago. Has anyone seen one larger?
Doug

all my females are 7 plus. I have 2.2 9 inch mouhotii and have a friend with an 11 incher. I'm not sure exactly how big they can get.

Steve

11"!! Wow, you sure know how to make a guy feel insecure. Well, based on the growth rate mine has dispayed, I can't imagine them getting that big. Now I am wondering if I am feeding them enough food/protein. Hmmm.
Doug

I really question the validity of this 11" measurement. Are you sure your friend measured SCL? What was the plastron measurement on this animal? I have seen 1000's of Pyxidea in south china and most of them were well worn down old adults and none even approached this size. 8" yes and some possibly even 9" SCL but none 11. I would like to see a photograph of this animal next to a ruler....because this has to be a new record for this species.
Best wishes,
Mike

Hi Mike,
In your experience, what is breeding size for this species? TIA.
Doug

I'll email him. Its 11 if not larger

Steve

I think Steve is full of it. Unless his friend's turtle is some kind of mutant or if he's feeding it growth hormones. Remember, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.

I dropped you a line, and can provide you with pics. But seeing that you haven't replied, I can only assume you are either not interested. If you are interested, let me know.