Key Details:
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Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
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Common Name: Red-Eared Slider
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Type: Semi-aquatic freshwater turtle
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Size: Typically 4–12 inches (adult shell length)
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Lifespan: 20–30 years with proper care
- Breeding details: Egg
🏡 Why They Make Great Pets:
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🐢 Beginner-friendly: One of the most popular pet turtles due to their adaptability and hardiness.
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💧 Amphibious lifestyle: Enjoy both swimming and basking — perfect for a tank with both water and a dry basking area.
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🌞 Interactive personality: Recognize owners over time and become active during feeding and basking hours.
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🌿 Beautiful appearance: Distinctive red streaks behind the eyes and a smooth green shell that darkens with age.
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🧠 Curious and intelligent: Known to explore their surroundings and interact with enrichment items.
🐟 Care & Habitat:
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💧 Tank setup: Minimum 40-gallon tank for one adult; clean, filtered water is essential.
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🌡️ Temperature: Water temperature 75–80°F; basking area around 85–90°F.
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☀️ Lighting: Requires UVB light for healthy shell and bone development.
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🍃 Diet: Omnivorous — enjoys pellets, leafy greens, small fish, and occasional insects.
❤️ Additional Notes:
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🧼 Regular cleaning and water filtration are key to maintaining a healthy environment.
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🐣 Young sliders are more active and colorful; color deepens with age.
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⚖️ Always handle gently and wash hands after contact.
