Hatchling common snapper

[Unholy1761]

thanks guys, unholy how big is yours now? i've heard they reach 7" or so in 2 years but i assume growth is substantially faster in the early days, can't wait for him to put on some size.

He is about 5 1/2" Carapace Length Im sure he will be 7" if not more. They grow extremely fast when young it slowes down at the around 8-10 inches depending on species and sex...

I didnt mention lighting because i dont really worry about it any more hes outside in the 300 gallon i just built... When they small light is really important So get the good stuff I have not seen mioe bask on his own in a long while.. I take him out once a week so he can stroll the yard and soak up some rays for about 30 minutes under close supervision... He is a puppydog.

Im getting a 4" hatchling alligator snapper in a month or so. They grow much slower than the common snapper which is good for me

I feed him a shrimp with 1/4 a centrum calcium supplment in the middle to keep him healthy and strong..

Oh and mine lost the tip of his tail so just suggestion only keep him with smaller turtles or alone. until he gets some size.

 

[Unholy1761]

A 5.0 uv ligth is beneficial but not by any means essencial like it is for many lizards. Very cute litle guy but he is going to grow very fast so make shure you have that really big tank in your shopping list for when the time comes. When he is full grow if you can house him outside during the warmer mouths in a pond, he will love it. The diet your using is correct but its better to avoid mealworms untill he is a bit larger. Use also a good pelleted food for vitamins such as tetra reptomin. You can also use chiclid pellets.

Yes mealworms are hard for little ones to digest crickets are fine thou...

"In the wild, turtles and tortoises are exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) every day. Absolutely essential to
their health and growth, UV plays a key role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is necessary in the absorption and metabolism of calcium, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D3 deficiency can result in limited shell growth, metabolic bone disease, and often, a premature death. Supplying appropriate UV lighting in your pet's habitat is one of the many important responsibilities you carry as the owner of a turtle or tortoise.
"
Cichlid pellets are not very effective they have good stuff but are designed for fish to eat. trust me your turtle will smash it then spew it everywhere when it trys to swallow it much like a puffer but alot worse with fish food...

Dont rely on pellets as an adult your turtle can eat a whole large can in one sitting then look at you for more lol.. shrimp with pellets or supplements is the way to go in the future. The shell also has loads of calcium for him...

 

[fishy12]

I heard trout pellets are a good source of vitamins after a 7 weeks since its been born or so.