South American River Turtles,
Podocnemis species, in Captivity

Russ Gurley

Comments: These large and striking turtles have been elusive for turtle keepers in the United States . Those few breeders working with them report that they are hardy and prolific, yet sadly only a handful of Podocnemis are being kept and bred in the United States .

Distribution: There are six species of Podocnemis found throughout South America with most occurring in Colombia , Venezuela , and Brazil .

Adult Size: Adult female P. erythrocephala reach 13” (32 cm). Adult female P. unifilis grow to 28” (70 cm) and female P. expansa reach 44” (110 cm), making them one of the largest freshwater turtles on the planet. Males of all species are smaller than females.

Captive Care: When they are kept outside, these turtles thrive in ponds, especially in warm climates. The few Podocnemis keepers in the United States usually keep their turtles in secure above ground pools to prevent escape and to protect their turtles from predators and theft. Recovered swimming pools and stock tanks have proven to be spacious and secure enclosures for these large turtles. Large enclosures, low pH, and warm, clean water are all a must for these turtles. They love to bask, so plenty of sturdy and accessible basking spots should be provided. As they are secretive and shy, they quickly plop into the water at the first sign of movement around them. They will often swim a short distance away and then quickly surface in case food is forthcoming. The addition of lots of plants, both floating and submerged, adds to the health and beauty of their enclosures.

A few keepers of Podocnemis choose to keep their animals inside to avoid any potential disasters due to weather, predators, or theft. Podocnemis are very sensitive to cold weather and will die quickly if chilled. Many keepers strive to never allow their turtles to drop below an air temperature of 65º to 70º F (18º to 21º C). This is obviously much easier to do in a controlled indoor situation. Large aquariums or medium-sized tubs work well for smaller turtles and in most cases, larger tubs will be sufficient to hold a pair or trio of larger specimens. P. expansa , as one of the world's largest freshwater turtles, will most certainly require a large pond.

Feeding: Hatchling and young Podocnemis enjoy a variety of live invertebrates such as earthworms, redworms, and even crickets. Adult Podocnemis eat mostly fruit and aquatic vegetation. In captivity, many will accept a more omnivorous diet. Care should be taken that any commercial diets they are fed are low in fat and protein. The basis of their captive diet can consist of a low-fat, low-protein commercial pelleted food mixed with water hyacinth, water lettuce, watercress, and duckweed. In addition, romaine lettuce, kale, red cabbage, carrot tops, and fruits such as banana, mango, figs, and melon should be added.

Breeding: P. unifilis , the Yellow-Spotted River Turtle, is a prolific breeder in captivity. Its protection as a CITES Appendix I animal has mostly prevented its movement into private collections even as captive-hatched specimens. Several breeders who were producing them in the 1970s and 1980s stopped as they began to downsize and wanted to look at species that were more commercially viable. Thus, this paperwork-heavy “state-locked” species nearly disappeared from captivity in the United States . However, with the increased interest in turtles and especially threatened species, more breeders are searching out P. unifilis . Hatchlings are seen in small numbers at expos and shows, especially the larger shows in Florida and southern California .

Hatchling Podocnemis are hardy and grow quickly (Hill, pers. com.). Small specimens can be set up in a 20-gallon long tank with 8-10” of warm, clean water with plenty of driftwood and live plants. The young are much more carnivorous than adults and they feed eagerly on live food such as redworms, blackworms, mosquito larvae, and guppies. Once feeding well, commercial turtle foods can be added to their diet. The plants are important as they add variety to their diet and will become the foundation of their diet as they reach adulthood.

The beautiful Red-headed Amazon River Turtle, P. erythrocephala , as a species that does not currently have CITES protection, will no doubt be a great turtle for Podocnemis breeders in the next few years. Imported specimens seem to require water that is low in pH and with plenty of tannins to keep the shells and eyes healthy (Hill, pers. com.). This species shares the hardiness of other Podocnemis species and its lack of international protection and related restrictions means that keepers can exchange specimens freely across state lines to enhance genetics or to add this beautiful turtle to their collections.

Adults will feed well on aquatic vegetation, romaine lettuce, and a low-fat and low-protein commercial turtle food. Interestingly, in nature, the hatchlings and young of this species will swim at the surface of the water and with their mouths open, and will “vacuum” small invertebrates, tiny plants, and other matter from the top layer of the water (Ernst and Barbour, 1989).

SUGGESTED READING

Cole, M. and W. Link. 1972. Podocnemis in Captivity. Int'l Turtle and Tortoise Soc. J. 6(2):12-14.

Neill, W. T. 1965. Notes on the Five Amazon Species of Podocnemis (Testudinata, Pelomedusidae). Herpetologica 21: 287-297.