Japanese Pond Turtle

Scientific Name: Mauremys japonica

Identification: Mauremys japonica is basically brown all over although the head may be lighter with darker spots on the jaw and sides. There may be a keel which may or may not have a light colored stripe. The posterior marginals will be heavily serrated. The carapace may feature clear growth annuli and may also have a subtle pattern of radiating striae. There is a notch in the plastron. Some larger females can reach 7" in straight line carapace length, but most will tend to be smaller, 5-6".

Range: Strong swimmers, the Japanese pond turtle inhabits flowing streams, rivers, canals and other bodies of water in Japan, particularly near the islands on Honshu, Kyshu, and Shikoku.

Diet: This species is omnivorous with a leaning toward carnivory. Worms, insects, snails, shrimp, feeder fish, cat or dog food kibble, etc. could all be used as part of a varied diet. Also provide aquatic plants, and other greens, vegetables, and occasional fruits. This species will accept floating turtle food pellets formulated for aquatic turtles. Provide a source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or boiled eggshells.

The Japanese pond turtle is also called the Japanese Stone Turtle, or in it’s native language Nihon Ishigame. They are naturally slightly timid yet placid animals. With daily socialization, they can become moderately comfortable being picked up and fairly friendly. Like most turtles, Japanese pond turtles enjoy their food, and quickly correspond food with their owner, and will swim to the surface of their tank to greet them whenever they come near. Japanese pond turtles can be rather aggressive while eating and may bite fingers that get in their way. Japanese pond turtles are diurnal so they are active during the day and sleep at night. They enjoy the company of other Japanese pond turtles, but they seem to be apathetic or sometimes even aggressive towards other species of turtles. Japanese pond turtles can also share their aquarium with freshwater fish like goldfish or Koi fish; however, they will attempt to eat any fish in the aquarium with them.