Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am getting ready to put my dwarf caiman into a 260 gal enclosure and was wondering if putting turtles with him would be a bad idea. He is a little over a foot long. I was thinking of getting a mata mata, diamondback terrapin, or some type of sideneck. As long as they are around the same size will this be a problem? If these aren't good species reccomend me one that lives in the same type of conditions. Also lately I never see him in the water. I know dwarf caimans are more terrestrial than other crocs, but I NEVER see him in the water. This behavior started about a month ago.

Most water turtles are notorious biters and can remove a fragile toe. IMO, your caiman is better off left alone.

Red Eared Sliders are notorious for biting. I have two aquatic turtles being a RES and an Eastern Painted. The eastern painted is pretty shy and leaves everyone alone. The RES is a pain in the rear and continuously annoys the painted. Primarily, I agree with Bill. The Caiman would be better off in an enclosure to itself. Animals in too close of confinement with each other can cause stress on one or the other or even both. Turtles are cheaper and easier to come by (not that it makes them any less loved), so you would typically want your crocodilian to do better.

JMHO

I definately agree with everyone else, keep the ciaman solitary.. However, out of the 3 species of turtle you listed, the matamata would fare the best, but I still wouldn't risk it.

Matt