Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima manni
(Gray, 1855)
Numbers kept: 2,2
Truly 'pulcherrima' - a real beauty by most turtle enthusiasts' standards
- and easy to care for if just kept warm enough. Both animals were roughly the
same size: 12 - 13 cm straight length, weighing between 350 - 400 g.
I kept them in a big aqua-terrarium measuring 150 x 60 x 60 cm
with a small land section; the water level was kept at around 1 - 2
inches. The temperature was in the 26 - 30 ° C range
during the day; at night I let it cool down to room temperature (~ 20 ° C).
The land section was filled with a peat moss/leaves mix to allow for easy digging/hiding.
They seemed to be most content sitting in shallow water, partly hidden under
some branches and roots I had supplied.
They are one of the easiest of all turtles to feed: Virtually anything eaten
by any other turtle will be eagerly consumed. Even though they have relatively
small heads with finely serrated jaws and slender necks, they are capable of
wrestling down the largest earth worms imaginable - I have repeatedly seen them
feed on earthworms longer than they were! These turtles are capable of eating
large quantities - maybe an adaptation to the jungle life where food
is by no means as abundant as commonly thought.
Favorites were: sweet fruits, worms, dandelion, fish, red meat, snails.
The only (courtship?) behaviour I witnessed consisted of some swinging and bobbing
head movements. Regrettably the female never laid any eggs while in my possession
- maybe they both were still a bit too small.
This turtle is a good swimmer and dives well; mine have stayed submerged for more than
15 minutes at a time. They feed both on land and underwater.
I just obtained a second pair in June of 2004.
Updated 2004-06-07
Back to Start Page
Back to Table Page
E-Mail Author