Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
I have 2 frt's (each about 6" shell length). I have had them for about 1 1/2 years and are doing awesome. They are in a 250 gallon custom aquarium (6' x 3' x 2'). I just re-decorated the aquaruim with all new plants, logs, hiding places etc. I have never kept anything in with them before, but I would like to add fish to the aquarium. The water temp is kept at 78-80 deg. I am just wondering what fish would do well in that environment, or what anyone else has had success with. Thank you for your help
Brandon

Hello Brandon,

Carettochelys insculpta vary greatly in personality and disposition.
While some specimens will co-exist peacefully with fish within the aquaria, others will eat the fish or simply kill them for sport.
Keep in mind, C. insculpta are typically generalistic omnivores, so both plant and animal matter are a part of their diet.
In the wild, Carettochelys insculpta frequently dine upon fish, as well as any Pteropus scapulatus (flying foxes) which happen to be unfortunate enough to fall into the water along the billabongs and into the jaws of any C. insculpta waiting below. Perfectly formed hairballs, much like cats produce, have been found within the gut content of many specimens, indicating they are well adapted for dining on such prey items.
In short, anytime you maintain turtles and fish, regardless of genus, you run the risk of losing some fish.

Best regards,

Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.526.4856