Carettochelys insculpta

Large freshwater aquarium or pool, fully aquatic environment

Minimum dimensions for ONE adult; the species prefers a very large pool (ideally several metres) with good water depth (a powerful, pelagic swimmer). Oversized filtration and water movement are essential. Keep strictly solitary (intraspecific aggression). Protected species (CITES Appendix II).

Not relevant in the classic sense: a fully aquatic animal. The absolute priority is water quality and temperature, not air humidity.

Fine, smooth sand or a bare bottom to make cleaning easier and avoid injuries. Ban sharp gravel and small ingestible pebbles (risk of obstruction).

Yes. Provide UVB (a 5.0 to 10.0 tube or a UV lamp for turtles) above the surface, despite the almost entirely aquatic lifestyle, for vitamin D3 synthesis and shell health. Replace the source according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Freshwater (tolerates slight estuarine salinity, but kept in freshwater in captivity). Temperature 26-31 °C, neutral to slightly alkaline pH (~7.0-8.0). Powerful filtration, water movement and regular water changes are essential: the species is very sensitive to nitrates, ammonia and poor water quality. Provide good water depth (an active swimmer).

Southern New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua) and northern Australia (Northern Territory). Tropical rivers, lagoons and estuaries.

Omnivore — Molluscs, crustaceans, fish, aquatic insects

Omnivorous, becoming more frugivorous/herbivorous with age. Plant matter: fruit (figs), aquatic plants, leaves. High calcium requirements (supplementation necessary). Limit excess animal protein, which promotes obesity and abnormal growth (pyramiding) of the shell.

Clutch 7–39 eggs/young. Terrestrial egg-laying. The eggs show embryonic diapause: hatching is triggered by immersion/flooding (a drop in oxygen). Captive breeding is difficult and rare.

• Fungal and bacterial infections of the skin and armoured shell (linked to poor water quality)
• Injuries and abscesses from bites between conspecifics (flippers, shell)
• Metabolic bone disease / calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency
• Eye problems and respiratory infections linked to degraded water
• Obesity and shell pyramiding from protein overfeeding