Reptile Vault
Care Sheet
Generated May 18, 2026
reptilevault.com
Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
The red-eared slider is the most common pet turtle in the world and arguably one of the most misunderstood. These semi-aquatic turtles are often sold as tiny hatchlings (illegally in the US when under 4 inches) without adequate information about their true care needs. Adult red-eared sliders reach 10-12 inches and require substantial aquatic enclosures - a minimum of 75-120+ gallons for adult females with proper basking areas, UVB lighting, and strong filtration. They live 20-40+ years, making them a serious long-term commitment. Red-eared sliders are omnivores with dietary needs that shift toward more vegetation as they mature. They produce significant waste requiring powerful filtration. Due to releases by overwhelmed owners, red-eared sliders have become invasive worldwide.
Quick Facts
Care Level
intermediate
Adult Size
8-12 inches shell length (females larger than males)
Lifespan
20-40+ years
Diet Type
omnivore
Activity
diurnal
Temperament
docile
Group
turtle
Origin
Southeastern United States
Beginner Suitability
First Reptile?with research
Beginner Score6/10
⚠ Beginner Warnings
Large aquarium requirements (75-120+ gallons for adults), strong filtration needed, significant ongoing maintenance, 20-40+ year commitment, Salmonella risk (wash hands), illegal to release
Temperament & Handling
Temperamentdocile
Handling Tolerancemoderate
Handling Notes
Tolerate handling but prefer being in water. Handle with both hands supporting the shell. May scratch with claws or release bladder when handled. Not cuddly pets - best enjoyed in their habitat.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Basking88°F
Ambient78°F
Night68°F
Basking spot 85-95°F. Water temperature 75-82°F. Lower temps trigger brumation in some individuals. Basking is essential for shell health and digestion.
Humidity
N/A - aquatic environment. Maintain proper water quality instead. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate monitoring important.
Lighting & UVB
UVB RequiredYes — Required
Target UVI2.9-3.0
Lighting Notes
Ferguson Zone 2-3. UVB essential for shell health. Mercury vapor bulb or T5 HO 10% over basking area. Basking area must receive full UVB exposure.
Enclosure
Minimum Size75 gallon aquarium (adults)
Recommended Size120+ gallon or pond
Enclosure Typeaquatic
Substrate & Environment
Substrate TypeBare bottom easiest to clean. River rock or large gravel possible but harder to maintain. Sand impaction risk in young turtles.
Substrate DepthN/A - aquatic setup
Water Featureyes
Water Notes
Swimming water should be 2-3x shell length depth minimum. Strong filtration rated for 2-3x actual water volume essential. Partial water changes weekly. Basking area completely out of water required.
Activity & Behavior
Activity Patterndiurnal
Social Behaviorsolitary
Cohabitation
Can be housed together in very large aquatic setups but may compete for basking space and food. Aggression possible especially with multiple males. Single housing often easier.
Red-Eared Slider
Care Sheet — Diet & Nutrition
Diet & Nutrition
Diet Typeomnivore
Feeding FrequencyDaily for juveniles (more protein); every other day for adults (more plants)
Diet Notes
Omnivore with diet shifting toward herbivorous as adults. Juveniles: 50% protein (turtle pellets, feeder fish, shrimp) 50% vegetables. Adults: 25% protein 75% vegetables (dark leafy greens, aquatic plants).
💊 Supplementation Schedule
Calcium (cuttlebone or calcium block in water). Commercial turtle pellets contain vitamins. Calcium dusting on vegetables 2-3x weekly.
✅ Recommended Foods
| Food | Category | Ca:P | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collard Greens | leafy | 9.3 | staple |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | insect | 7 | staple |
| Mulberry Leaf | leafy | 5 | staple |
| Turnip Greens | leafy | 4.5 | staple |
🚫 Foods to Avoid
| Food | Toxicity | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ☠️ fatal | fruit |
| Fireflies | ☠️ fatal | insect |
| Foxglove | ☠️ fatal | flower |
| Garlic | ☠️ fatal | vegetable |
Red-Eared Slider
Care Sheet — Health & More
Health & Critical Care
Metabolic bone disease, shell rot, respiratory infections, vitamin A deficiency, ear abscesses, parasites, shell pyramiding
Health Notes
Shell problems (rot, soft shell, pyramiding) usually indicate water quality, temperature, or UVB issues. Ear abscesses appear as swelling behind ears and require veterinary treatment.
Breeding
Difficultymoderate
SeasonSpring after brumation
Clutch Size2-30 eggs (often 6-15)
Incubation60-90 days at 77-86°F
Sexual Dimorphism
moderate
Breeding Notes
Females may lay eggs without males (infertile). Nesting site needed or egg retention occurs. Temperature-dependent sex determination - cooler temps produce males, warmer produce females.
Cost & Availability
Price Rangebudget
Availabilitycommon
Native Habitat
Native RegionSoutheastern United States
Habitat Typeaquatic
Climate Notes
Semi-aquatic freshwater habitats - ponds, lakes, streams, marshes. Bask on logs and rocks. Temperate climate with cold winters.
Legal & Conservation
Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Legal Restrictions
Sales of under 4 inches banned in US (Salmonella concerns). Illegal to release. Invasive species restrictions in many countries.
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