Red-Eared Slider

Trachemys scripta elegans

A semi-aquatic turtle that needs strong filtration, UVB, and a dry basking dock. A decades-long commitment that outgrows most starter kits.

6–12 in shell30–40 years

Habitat

Enclosure

10 gal of water per inch of shell — adults usually need 75–120 gal

Temperature

Water 75–78°F · basking dock 85–90°F

Humidity / Water

Fully aquatic with a dry basking area

Heating & lighting

Aquarium heater plus a basking heat lamp and UVB tube directly over the dock. Strong canister filtration — turtles are extremely messy.

Diet

Feed these

Aquatic turtle pellets (portioned)
Kale, romaine and dandelion greens
Feeder fish occasionally
Shrimp and crayfish treats

Never feed

Iceberg lettuce
Dog or cat food
Raw kitchen meat
Bread and processed human food

Adults should get pellets 2–3 times a week (an amount that fits in their head) plus daily greens. Overfeeding shortens their life and fouls the water.

Cohabitation

Can live with

Other red-eared sliders — only in a very large tank

Never house with

Small fish — they will be eaten Tropical fish like Bettas and Guppies Frog or newt species

Sliders can share huge filtered tanks, but males constantly harass females — watch for bitten tails and separate at the first sign of trouble.