Red-Eared Slider Size report

The red-eared slider (scientific name: Trachemys Scripta Elegans) is a subspecies of the Brazilian painted turtle, an aquatic turtle. The adult is oval, the carapace is gently raised, the ridges are obvious, the head and neck have yellow and green longitudinal stripes, and there is one red stripe on both sides of the back of the eyes. The color was bright and eye-catching as a baby, but as the red-eared slider grew up, the color and pattern gradually faded.

The red-eared slider is more active than any freshwater turtle. It is sensitive to the sound and vibration of the water, and once frightened, it dives into the water. Red-eared sliders hibernate below 11°C and enter deep hibernation below 6°C.

Most common red-eared sliders originate from the Mississippi River Basin in the United States. Because this species is easier to raise than the Brazilian painted turtle, and the hatchlings are very similar to the Brazilian painted turtle, the red-eared slider gradually replaced the Brazilian painted turtle's popularity. This post will introduce details about the actual red-eared slider size and how to care for them.

Red-Eared Slider Size Guide

The red-eared slider is named for the two red stripes on both sides of its head, native to America. It is an excellent aquatic turtle species as a pet for artificial breeding. The red-eared turtle is probably the most widely kept reptile in the world. It is listed as one of the most dangerous invasive species in the world because it will massively plunder the living resources of other aquatic animals and plants.

In terms of appearance, the skin of the general red-eared turtle has yellow, green, and gray-brown vertical stripes, and there is a pair of rough red lines on the back edge of both sides of the eyes. The carapace of the red-eared turtle is generally green or yellow-green. The plastron is generally pale yellow with symmetrical round, oval, and rod-shaped black patches, and the rough skin with fine-grained scales that reduce friction and moisture evaporation. The tortoise controls the expansion and contraction of its lungs by stretching its neck and hind legs, which is how it breathes.

Details About Red-Eared Slider Size

In color, there is no significant difference between male and female red-eared sliders, but there is a big difference in their weight. When females weigh 1000 grams and males reach 250 grams, it is a great time for them to mate. Full-grown adults can reach 12 inches in length, with females usually being the largest. There are rare instances of adult red-eared sliders growing larger than 12 inches. When cared for correctly, they can easily live longer than 20 years.

Quick Facts

Tips for keeping turtles in captivity

Their small size, unique patterns, and docile personality make them a great choice. Red-eared sliders can live a long life in captivity. Captive-born red-eared sliders are active pets that enjoy swimming and diving in the tank, so a tank should be big enough for your pet to act. Red-eared sliders can live amphibious lives on water and land, often off the shore to enjoy moonlight or sunlight in the wild. A full-spectrum UV lighting, a basking heat light, and a dry docking area are necessary for captive red-eared turtle, where the turtle can bask in the light to absorb heat and UV rays.

Red-eared sliders will feed and excrete in the aquarium, ensuring good water quality and regular water changes are key to keeping captive red-eared turtles free of disease; a tank filter is a must. A tank for the smallest hatchlings should be at least 10 gallons, though a 20-gallon tank is better. And be aware that your turtle will grow and need a larger tank quickly.