Mauremys sinensis

Aquaterrarium / aquatic pool: a large deep filtered water area + a dry, easily accessible basking platform under a lamp. An outdoor pool is possible in the warm season if the climate allows and if the setup is secured against predators and escapes.

Indicative minimum for ONE adult; add about 50% of water surface per additional individual (a gregarious species, several specimens cohabit well if the space and basking spots are sufficient). Aim for at least 150-250 L of water per adult. IMPORTANT — conservation status: species classified as 'Endangered' (EN) by the IUCN and listed under CITES (at least Appendix III; check recent updates and the EU's Annex B). Non-venomous. It is IMPERATIVE to favour a captive-bred specimen: wild-caught animals are regulated, fragile, often parasitised and stressed. Check national regulations (possible declaration/registration) before any acquisition or transfer.

An aquatic species: air humidity is not a relevant husbandry parameter. The animal lives in the water and only leaves it to warm up; it is the quality and temperature of the water that take priority.

Avoid medium-sized gravel, swallowed accidentally (risk of obstruction). A bare-bottom tank facilitates water maintenance; add aquatic plants (some of which will be eaten) and roots/stones for enrichment and hiding places.

Essential. A UVB tube or lamp above the basking platform (type 5-6% / UVI ~2-3 on the dry spot), combined with a hot spot. Renew the UVB source every 6-12 months depending on the model, even if it still lights up. Without good UVB and a hot spot, there is a high risk of osteodystrophy (MBD) and shell deformities.

The most critical parameter of this husbandry. A large volume of clean water, filtered by powerful filtration (an oversized external filter, 2 to 3 times the tank volume per hour) because these turtles are very messy. Regular partial water changes (≈25-30%/week), dechlorinated water, neutral to slightly basic pH. Water depth sufficient to swim (at least the width of the carapace, ideally much more) with a dry exit always accessible. Poor water quality is the primary cause of shell rot and abscesses.

Subtropical Southeast Asia: southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam and Laos. Occupies calm, shallow waters (pools, rice paddies, canals, slow river arms) with abundant vegetation.

Omnivore in juveniles, evolving towards a predominantly herbivorous diet in adulthood. — Juveniles: insects, earthworms, larvae, gammarids, snails, crustaceans, small fish/pieces of lean fish, quality aquatic pellets.

The intake of plant matter is ESSENTIAL and increases with age: aquatic plants (elodea, duckweed, water hyacinth, water lettuce), leafy vegetables (dandelion, endive, chard leaves), a little fruit as an occasional treat. Adults: a plant base + animal protein only 1-2 times/week. Supplement with calcium (cuttlebone left available) and offer a varied diet to prevent deficiencies and overweight. Do not overfeed protein (shell deformities, kidney/liver problems).

Clutch 5–20 eggs/young. Several clutches possible per season. Provide a terrestrial laying area (a tub of moist sand/soil) accessible to gravid females; without a suitable site, there is a risk of egg retention (dystocia). Artificial incubation typically ~60-80 days at 26-30°C depending on temperature. As in many Geoemydidae, sex determination is probably influenced by the incubation temperature.

• Rot of the shell and skin (bacterial/fungal ulcers) linked to poor water quality
• Respiratory infections (water too cold, draughts, insufficient hot spot)
• Osteodystrophy / metabolic bone disease (MBD) and a soft or deformed shell from lack of UVB, calcium or excess protein
• Hypovitaminosis A (swollen eyes, closed eyelids) from a deficient diet
• Aural abscesses (swelling behind the eye) and egg retention (dystocia) in females without a laying site