PINK BELLY SIDE NECK TURTLE (Emydura subglobosa)

Pink-Bellied Side-Neck Turtle Care Guide

Quick Facts

Enclosure Setup

✅ Tank Size

• Hatchlings: Minimum 20–30 gallons

• Adults: Minimum 75–120 gallons

• Horizontal space is more important than depth.

• Larger is always better for water quality and swimming space.

Water Requirements

• Depth: Deep enough to allow full swimming (at least 1.5–2x the turtle’s length)

• Filtration: Strong canister filter recommended (e.g., Fluval FX series or equivalent)

• Water Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• Heater: Submersible aquarium heater with guard

• Water Conditioner: Use dechlorinator during water changes

Basking Area

• Floating or platform basking dock

• Basking Temperature: 90–95°F (32–35°C)

• UVB Lighting: Essential! Use a 10.0 UVB tube (e.g., Zoo Med T5 HO) for 10–12 hours/day

• Combine with a heat lamp for basking area

️ Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous Diet

Feed a varied diet 4–6 times per week:

Protein Sources

• Turtle pellets (Mazuri, Zoo Med, Hikari)

• Bloodworms, earthworms

• Feeder fish (occasional)

• Boiled chicken (very occasionally)

Vegetables

• Romaine lettuce

• Dandelion greens

• Collard greens

• Zucchini, squash

Fruits (occasional treats)

• Mango, berries, melon (small amounts)

Calcium: Dust food with calcium powder twice a week (especially for juveniles)

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Water Changes: 25–50% weekly

• Filter Maintenance: Clean filter media monthly

• Substrate: Bare bottom or smooth river rocks preferred to reduce debris buildup

Behavior & Temperament

• Active swimmers and fun to watch

• Side-neck motion: Tuck their head sideways, not straight back

• May become tame and take food from your hand

• Can be kept with other peaceful turtles of similar size (not with aggressive or large species)