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Reeves'
Turtle
(Chinemys reevesi)
by Stuart Dodsworth
Distribution
This beautiful semi-aquatic turtle originates from Mainland China
and Japan. It can also be found in Taiwan, Hong Kong and parts
of Korea. Several specimens have also been found in the USA possibly
as released pets, although it is not known if they are breeding.
This species is also known as the Coin Turtle or the Chinese Three
Keeled Turtle.
Size
Hatchling Reeve's Turtles begin life at around 3cm long and 2
cm wide. They eventually reach and average adult size of 12.5cm
(5 inches), although females have been known to reach sizes of
up to 18cm (7.2 inches) and males have reached 13cm (5.2 inches).
Description
The shell of the Reeve's has three keels, or ridges, running the
length of the carapace from head to tail. Coloration of the Reeve's
turtle varies widely from individual to individual. The shell
can range from a yellowish-brown to a dark brown or black shade,
while the skin can range from an olive or grey-green shade to
black. In the lighter animals, there are a series of white or
yellow lines running along the sides of the neck and head. The
black animals tend to lack this striping. Reeve's turtle is not
saucer-shaped but more rectangular overall.
Diet
In the wild the Reeve's Turtles are omnivores and will eat a variety
of insects, amphibians, fish and plant matter. It is essential
therefore in captivity to maintain them on as varied a diet as
possible. A list of suitable foods are as follows: raw liver,
beef heart, chicken breast, salads, fruits, earthworms, crickets,
white bait (and other fishes, although freshwater fish is best),
prawns (best with shells on), snails, pink mice, water cress,
dandelions and water weed. This species of turtle is a voracious
feeder and will overeat if the chance arises. It is often better
to feed your turtles in a separate container in order to reduce
the mess in their captive habitat.
Requirements
· Heat Source: - For the water, a thermostatically controlled
water heater will be required. For the basking area, a guarded
and thermostatically controlled reflector spot lamp will be required.
· UV Light Source: - Reeve's Turtles require a Reptisun
5.0 light. This should be left on for 12 to 14 hours a day and
replaced every 6 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
It should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking
turtle and not behind plastic or glass screens.
· Filtration: - This is important to reduce foul smells
and to keep the water clean. Under gravel filters do not work
very well on turtles. You would be well advised to buy either
a large internal filter or an external filter to help keep the
water clear. Fluval filters work well for smaller turtle enclosures.
· Land Areas: - Two land areas should be available to your
turtles. One area should be for basking and have a heat source
above it. The other area should be away from the heat source,
to allow the turtle to regulate its temperature. If you are keeping
females then remember a suitable nesting site should be provided,
in order to prevent egg retention problems.
· Housing: - For two adult turtles a 120cm (4 foot) terrarium
would be sufficient. Tortoise tables can also be used with good
effect for this species as they allow natural microclimates to
develop.
· Water: - The water should be maintained at a depth of
around 7.5 - 12.5cm (3 - 5 inches). This should be changed frequently
as it is also the water they drink.
Temperature
A temperature of 20 - 29ºC (68 - 85ºF) should be maintained
during the daytime. The water temperature should be maintained
at around 23 - 27ºC (78 - 83ºF).
NB
- a photograph and a distribution map can be found on http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Creevesiicare.htm
Recommended
Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart
Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Chinemys_SP_reevesii']
Tortoise Trust - www.tortoisetrust.org
BCG - British Chelonia Group - http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/
http://www.tortoise.org/archives/reeves.html
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?SpeciesID=1228 -
info on released pets in USA
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Creevesiicare.htm
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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