Saltwater Turtles?

cinematek · 10/16/2006, 11:39 PM

I have 2 red eared sliders in a freshwater turtle tank (just the two of them). I'm planning a SW tank and I'm curious if there are any species of saltwater turtles that are keepable as SW pets.

Thanks.

tmplge · 10/16/2006, 11:42 PM

wow, this is a first and im really interested as to what replies its gona generate. good topic!

nctommy · 10/17/2006, 12:09 AM

Salt water turtles are a protected species. A person could be fined, I think it is about $10,000 per turtle, for harrassing, harming, or indangering in any way. Besides the illegal aspect of it, the turtle will rapidly grow til it becomes too large for the tank.. In the tanks where I use to work the turtles were returned to the ocean after about a year or so, and new turtles were brought in. Salt water turtles need plenty of room to swim and nothing can be in there way or they will get stuck, ie live rock etc. Also, the turtle will eat anything you put in the tank with it. Therefore, when they are kept in public aquariums they are usually kept in a species tank.

hodsgod · 10/17/2006, 03:00 AM

Turtles are far too large for any aquarium, they eat sponges and you wouldn't be able to keep up with its food demands.

Sorry, you should stick to terrapins.

Shagsbeard · 10/17/2006, 05:39 AM

Monterey Bay Aquarium has one in their "Deep Bay" exhibit. So I suppose if you have enough money and get the right permits, it's physically and legally possible. I'd plan on a budget in the hundreds of millions though.

ReefRascals · 10/17/2006, 07:09 AM

They're actually not that difficult...Purina even makes a seaturtle chow. But it is quite illegal to keep then.

cinematek · 10/17/2006, 07:47 AM

Fair enough. Certainly I understand that Sea Turtles are protected (endangered?).

But... while there are many species of freshwater/land turtles that are either too big to keep or illegal to own, there are also many, many species that are perfectly small and legal. The desert tortoise is one species, I believe, that is illegal to own (at least in CA), but the red eared slider (which I have two of) was at one point one of the most popular pets in the USA.

I had read somewhere that there are several species of brackish water turtles, which made me wonder whether there are any small, rare SW species that could be kept as pets. Maybe? No?

nmprisons · 10/17/2006, 08:03 AM

Well, that information isn't totally correct. The Maryland Terrapin is a saltwater turtle that does not grow overwhelmingly large. They are legal to catch and keep in Maryland as long as you have a liscence. They feed on fish, crustations, and assorted other stuff. I would bet you could house one in 250 gallons for quite some time.

ReefRascals · 10/17/2006, 08:16 AM

I don't disagree with what you say, but there is a huge distinction from a Diamondback terrapin which lives in salt marshes and nearby tidal waters vs a loggerhead which lives in the ocean, coming to shore only to lay eggs.

Amphiprion · 10/17/2006, 10:03 AM

You are right--people are referring to two entirely different groups of turtles. Terrapins, by virtue of their name more frequently associate with land and our familiar ones are part of Testudinoidea. Sea turtles, notably the Chelonids (and to a lesser extent, the Dermochelyids) are all part of the Chelonoidea. These turtles, while being Testudines at the order level, are drastically different.

ReefRascals · 10/17/2006, 10:20 AM

Nomenclature aside, they're different in terms of their habitat, which is the consideration of the original question and the basis od this thread.

Amphiprion · 10/17/2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefRascals
Nomenclature aside, they're different in terms of their habitat, which is the consideration of the original question and the basis od this thread.

Actually, what you just mentioned had nothing to do with the original question of this thread. If you need verification, please read it again. Though entirely correct, distinction on habitat was made by you and not the poster, thus not the original question nor original basis of this thread. The original question was centered on SW testudines, a rather vague delineation, which could have centered on sea turtles and/or terrapins. I simply outlined taxonomic standpoints and to further show the dramatic differences between these turtles (which had been mentioned by both you and someone else), as evidenced by their adaptations.

cinematek · 10/17/2006, 01:07 PM

Well this seems to have become quite a heated debate - I didn't intend to start a brawl with this topic. I just wanted some more turtles.

I certainly don't have Amphiprion's level of biological classification knowledge and I couldn't tell you the difference between a Chelopid, Dermochelyid or testudine. But... given the hot debate I decided to dig a little deeper into google and I found this:

"Any permanent body of water is a potential home for turtles. Some species will also tolerate brackish water, but the sea turtles are the only true saltwater species."

(source)

So it would appear, at least from this one source, that there are no small SW turtles for keeping as pets. I'll keep digging around, though.

president89 · 10/17/2006, 01:55 PM

If I do remember correctly reading about snapping turtles they have been seen in rivers that feed into saltwater. Although you'd pretty much have a species tanka s they eat plants and fish. And they grow to about 80lbs and probably close to tire size. So good luck withthat.

ReefRascals · 10/17/2006, 03:06 PM

Amphiprion - Again, not trying to hurt your feelings, but this is a forum for beginners, hence 'new to the hobby'. I mentioned such key words as 'illegal', 'salt marsh', and 'ocean'. Relevant in my opinion, and slightly less academic than your response.

If we are to deal with only the question posed, then I think the only viable response would be 'NO'. Short and sweet.

Cinematic - Realize that there is a big difference between debate and dialog. I don't see this as a debate at all, and without even meeting amphiprion I can tell you that I have a great deal of respect for him.

freewilly2 · 10/17/2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by president89
If I do remember correctly reading about snapping turtles they have been seen in rivers that feed into saltwater. Although you'd pretty much have a species tanka s they eat plants and fish. And they grow to about 80lbs and probably close to tire size. So good luck withthat.

in the lake in camp there is a snapping turtle that is about 100 pounds

10/16/2006, 11:39 PM	#1
cinematek Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 189	Saltwater Turtles? I have 2 red eared sliders in a freshwater turtle tank (just the two of them). I'm planning a SW tank and I'm curious if there are any species of saltwater turtles that are keepable as SW pets. Thanks.

10/17/2006, 08:03 AM	#8
nmprisons Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,520	Well, that information isn't totally correct. The Maryland Terrapin is a saltwater turtle that does not grow overwhelmingly large. They are legal to catch and keep in Maryland as long as you have a liscence. They feed on fish, crustations, and assorted other stuff. I would bet you could house one in 250 gallons for quite some time. __________________ 25gallon tank up and cycling since 7/29/06 Mostly LPS reef (lords, micros, duncans, etc.) with some ricordia florida and zoanthids. Current Tank Info: 25 gallon, 28lbs of Marshall Island and Kaelini Live Rock, 2x65 power compact lighting, IFS Protein Skimmer

10/17/2006, 10:03 AM	#10
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	You are right--people are referring to two entirely different groups of turtles. Terrapins, by virtue of their name more frequently associate with land and our familiar ones are part of Testudinoidea. Sea turtles, notably the Chelonids (and to a lesser extent, the Dermochelyids) are all part of the Chelonoidea. These turtles, while being Testudines at the order level, are drastically different. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

10/16/2006, 11:42 PM	#2
tmplge Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Granada Hills, CA Posts: 603	wow, this is a first and im really interested as to what replies its gona generate. good topic!

10/17/2006, 12:09 AM	#3
nctommy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 181	Salt water turtles are a protected species. A person could be fined, I think it is about $10,000 per turtle, for harrassing, harming, or indangering in any way. Besides the illegal aspect of it, the turtle will rapidly grow til it becomes too large for the tank.. In the tanks where I use to work the turtles were returned to the ocean after about a year or so, and new turtles were brought in. Salt water turtles need plenty of room to swim and nothing can be in there way or they will get stuck, ie live rock etc. Also, the turtle will eat anything you put in the tank with it. Therefore, when they are kept in public aquariums they are usually kept in a species tank.

10/17/2006, 03:00 AM	#4
hodsgod Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 155	Turtles are far too large for any aquarium, they eat sponges and you wouldn't be able to keep up with its food demands. Sorry, you should stick to terrapins.

10/17/2006, 05:39 AM	#5
Shagsbeard Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Morro Bay, CA Posts: 2,143	Monterey Bay Aquarium has one in their "Deep Bay" exhibit. So I suppose if you have enough money and get the right permits, it's physically and legally possible. I'd plan on a budget in the hundreds of millions though.

10/17/2006, 07:09 AM	#6
ReefRascals Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 145	They're actually not that difficult...Purina even makes a seaturtle chow. But it is quite illegal to keep then.

10/17/2006, 07:47 AM	#7
cinematek Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 189	Fair enough. Certainly I understand that Sea Turtles are protected (endangered?). But... while there are many species of freshwater/land turtles that are either too big to keep or illegal to own, there are also many, many species that are perfectly small and legal. The desert tortoise is one species, I believe, that is illegal to own (at least in CA), but the red eared slider (which I have two of) was at one point one of the most popular pets in the USA. I had read somewhere that there are several species of brackish water turtles, which made me wonder whether there are any small, rare SW species that could be kept as pets. Maybe? No?

10/17/2006, 08:16 AM	#9
ReefRascals Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 145	I don't disagree with what you say, but there is a huge distinction from a Diamondback terrapin which lives in salt marshes and nearby tidal waters vs a loggerhead which lives in the ocean, coming to shore only to lay eggs.

10/17/2006, 10:20 AM	#11
ReefRascals Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 145	Nomenclature aside, they're different in terms of their habitat, which is the consideration of the original question and the basis od this thread.

10/17/2006, 01:07 PM	#13
cinematek Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 189	Well this seems to have become quite a heated debate - I didn't intend to start a brawl with this topic. I just wanted some more turtles. I certainly don't have Amphiprion's level of biological classification knowledge and I couldn't tell you the difference between a Chelopid, Dermochelyid or testudine. But... given the hot debate I decided to dig a little deeper into google and I found this: "Any permanent body of water is a potential home for turtles. Some species will also tolerate brackish water, but the sea turtles are the only true saltwater species." (source) So it would appear, at least from this one source, that there are no small SW turtles for keeping as pets. I'll keep digging around, though.

10/17/2006, 01:55 PM	#14
president89 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 466	If I do remember correctly reading about snapping turtles they have been seen in rivers that feed into saltwater. Although you'd pretty much have a species tanka s they eat plants and fish. And they grow to about 80lbs and probably close to tire size. So good luck withthat.

10/17/2006, 03:06 PM	#15
ReefRascals Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 145	Amphiprion - Again, not trying to hurt your feelings, but this is a forum for beginners, hence 'new to the hobby'. I mentioned such key words as 'illegal', 'salt marsh', and 'ocean'. Relevant in my opinion, and slightly less academic than your response. If we are to deal with only the question posed, then I think the only viable response would be 'NO'. Short and sweet. Cinematic - Realize that there is a big difference between debate and dialog. I don't see this as a debate at all, and without even meeting amphiprion I can tell you that I have a great deal of respect for him.