Indonesian Snakeneck Turtle
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Macrochelodina Rugosa
ADULT SIZE
Up to 12"
DIET
In the wild, they are carnivores, eating snails, insects and fish.
TEMPERATURE RANGE (°F)
Air Temperature: Mid to High 80's
Basking Temperature: High 80's to low 90's
Water Temperature: Low to mid 70's
WATER pH LEVEL
6.0 - 6.5
HABITAT
Tidal areas of small streams, swamps, offshore islands and marshes.
DISTRIBUTION
Southern coast of New Guinea to the Fly River and in the Torres Strait.
BEGINNER TURTLE
Yes
CAPTIVE HABITAT
This turtle basks infrequently, so a basking spot will still need to be provided. They prefer deep, soft-bottomed habitats, with a lot of vegetation. Either artificial plants or aquatic plants are suggested. The substrate, if used, should be sand or a fine gravel. UVB lighting is required, as well as a heat lamp over the basking area. A submersible heater is also recommended.
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE
Recommended size for a single adult Chelodina Siebenrocki would be a 180 gallon aquarium as a minimum (200 or larger preferred). This will provide adequate swimming area, as well as assisting the filtration in maintaining good water quality. For additional Chelodina Siebenrocki, I would recommend adding 100 gallons of tank space per additional turtle at a minimum.
Stock Tanks and Rubbermaid containers also work well. The same space recommendations remain the same.
CAPTIVE DIET
In captivity, they do well on Mazuri and ReptoMin, Reptile/Pond 10, Cichlid Sticks, fish, crickets and assorted worms and insects.
COMMUNITY HABITAT
It is not recommended that Indonesian Snakenecks be kept in community habitats with species outside of other Snakenecks, however, there have been those that have had success keeping them with various species of the same region.
OTHER INFORMATION
Indonesian Snakeneck Turtles enjoy resting and sleeping in caves or against rocks that allow them to remain near the water's surface. They have been known to bite while feeding, but are not known to be considered 'aggressive' even when handled.
