Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle — origin: Cool, humid mountain forests of northern Vietnam and southern China (Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong), on the forest floor and near streams. A species listed under CITES (Appendix II) and classified as Endangered (IUCN): almost all individuals in the trade are fragile wild-caught animals. Strongly favour captive-bred specimens and verify legality (CITES/EU paperwork) before any acquisition..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C

Cool side18–21 °C

Warm side22–25 °C

A COOL mountain species sensitive to heat: never exceed ~26-28°C for long (heatstroke potentially FATAL above this). NO hot spot or basking lamp. A winter cooling (12-16°C by day, cooler nights) is beneficial and stimulates reproduction. Permanently shaded ambience.

Enclosure (adult)

90 × 45 × 30 cm

Humid terrestrial woodland-floor terrarium (predominantly terrestrial paludarium), with a thick litter layer, hides, plants and a shallow water area. A secure lid is essential (a good climber and escape artist).

Minimum dimensions for an adult or a pair; larger is always better. A complex, shaded layout (leaf litter, mosses, bark, wood, live plants) offering multiple hides to limit stress. Place the enclosure in a cool room, away from heat sources.

Humidity

70–90 %

High and constant humidity; daily mistings. Substrate moist but never soaked, and good ventilation to avoid mould and respiratory infections.

Substrate

Coconut fibreSphagnum (moss)Leaf litterForest soil + orchid bark

Thick, loose and moist substrate allowing burrowing and ambient humidity; keep it clean (removal of droppings, regular maintenance) to prevent shell rot and skin infections.

UVB

Recommended

Low UVB beneficial (UV index ~1-2, 2-5 % tube), consistent with a little-exposed woodland-floor animal; failing that, ensure a regular dietary supply of calcium and vitamin D3. Avoid any powerful or heat-producing lighting.

Water source

Always available

A shallow, clean and dechlorinated water area whose depth does not exceed the height of the shell: this is a POOR SWIMMER, and any deep water poses a drowning risk. Provide easy access in and out; daily hydration and bathing.

Origin

Geoemydidae

Cool, humid mountain forests of northern Vietnam and southern China (Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong), on the forest floor and near streams. A species listed under CITES (Appendix II) and classified as Endangered (IUCN): almost all individuals in the trade are fragile wild-caught animals. Strongly favour captive-bred specimens and verify legality (CITES/EU paperwork) before any acquisition.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore / Insectivore — Earthworms, snails and slugs (essential, calcium source), crickets, woodlice, occasionally pinky mice; rarely eats soft fruit or plant matter.

A predominantly animal-based and varied diet. Calcium/D3 supplements useful given the low UVB exposure. Wild-caught animals often refuse to feed at first (stress-induced anorexia) and must be dewormed after a veterinary check-up.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Extremely low reproductive rate (1 to 2 eggs per clutch, sometimes several clutches per year), which makes the species rare and expensive. Slow incubation at moderate temperature (~22-26°C) for about 60-90 days. A seasonal cycle with winter cooling favours reproduction. All breeding/transfer is governed by CITES/EU regulations.

Health watch points

Internal parasites (nematodes) very common in wild-caught animals
Acclimation stress and anorexia (feeding refusal) after importation
Thermal stress / heatstroke (fatal above about 28-30°C)
Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature or humidity)
Osteodystrophy (MBD) and shell rot (deficiencies, substrate too wet and dirty)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle.

Hypomelanistic / Golden light phaseDom
Axanthic (Rare)Rec

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle × Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the black-breasted leaf turtle / spengler's leaf turtle.

How big does an adult Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle get?▾

An adult Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle typically measures 9–13 cm (carapace length: one of the smallest turtles in the world. leaf-shaped shell with strongly serrated edges and three prominent keels; hooked beak. males often more colourful (pale iris, more contrasting head).).

What temperature and humidity does a Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle need?▾

A gradient of roughly 18–21 °C on the cool side to 22–25 °C on the warm side. Humidity 70–90 %.

What does a Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle eat?▾

Carnivore / Insectivore: Earthworms, snails and slugs (essential, calcium source), crickets, woodlice, occasionally pinky mice; rarely eats soft fruit or plant matter..

Is the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle / Spengler's Leaf Turtle a good reptile for beginners?▾

Advanced level. Active, lively and alert, with an almost 'raptor-like' demeanour; quickly becomes accustomed to its keeper and recognises them. Territorial: individuals, especially males, can become aggressive towards one another. Preferably keep solitary, or as a closely monitored pair with numerous hides. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–40 yrs.

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