Ocadia sinensis

The turtle ocadia sinensis (Mauremys sinensis), also known as Chinese striped neck turtle, is a species of water turtle found in East Asia. This turtle is highly valued as a pet and is one of the most popular species in the exotic pet trade. In this article, we will explore more about the ocadia turtle and how to care for it properly.

Distribution

The ocadia sinensis turtle is native to East Asia and is found in several fragmented areas, including southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. In China, the turtle is found in various provinces, including Fujian, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Canton, Shanghai, and Hainan. In Taiwan, it is found in the northern and central parts of the island, in areas such as Yushan National Park and Kenting National Park.

The distribution of the turtle Ocadia sinensis has been affected by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as urbanization and agriculture. This turtle has also been subject to exotic pet trade, leading to a decline in some populations.

Characteristics

The overall color of the ocadia turtle is reddish-brown to black, with yellow sutures in juveniles and sometimes yellow to orange stripes on the keels that fade away.

The plastron is large has two well-developed bridges and an anal notch. The bridges and the underside of the marginal scutes are yellow with a large square brown to black spot on each scute.

The head is narrow, olive-colored on top and more yellow underneath. The sides of the head are decorated with fine yellow and black stripes from the snout to the base of the neck, which gives the species its common name. The snout is slightly pointed and the iris is pale green. The upper jaw is curved and white to cream-colored.

The legs are olive-colored have multiple fine yellow lines, though less dense than on the neck. The front legs have large scales on top, but the rest of the legs are covered with small flat scales.

Newborns have three very pronounced keels, which disappear over time.

Habits

The Ocadia sinensis turtle inhabits slow-flowing watercourses, lagoons, wetlands, and canals with muddy or silty bottoms. It tends to spend much of its time regulating its body temperature.

When threatened and captured, it can eject a strong stream of cloacal fluid.

How long does the Ocadia sinensis turtle live?

Turtle species can live around 40 years on average, but their lifespan can vary depending on captivity conditions. In the wild, they usually live shorter due to risks like predators, food scarcity, and harsh conditions.

What size does the Ocadia sinensis turtle reach?

The Ocadia sinensis turtle is a freshwater turtle that can grow up to 24 centimeters in length.

Care for the Ocadia sinensis turtle

Ocadia sinensis turtles are easy to care for, but it’s important to ensure their habitat is suitable. Turtles need a place to swim and bask, so providing a large aquarium with a ramp for them to get out of the water is essential.

Filter

The aquarium water must be kept clean, and for that, we need to have a filtered water. We recommend having at least a cascade filter in the aquaterrarium; ideally, an external filter with greater capacity for filter media. We offer a guide to help you choose the best turtle filter that fits your needs.

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Heater

The temperature around 24 to 27 degrees Celsius especially when the specimen is juvenile (first 2-3 years of life), for this we must have a water heater for turtles.

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Lamp

It is also important to provide a heat source and UVB light to aid digestion and healthy growth of the turtle. The ocadia sinensis should get about 4 hours of sunlight.

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Ramp

It should have an outdoor space of the bathing area in the turtle enclosure, so it must have access to the outdoor area where it can dry off.

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What does the Ocadia sinensis turtle eat?

It is omnivorous but prefers to feed on aquatic plants and fallen fruits in the water in the wild.

In captivity, they can be given a varied diet including different types of vegetables (wild plants, greens, fruits, floating plants) and small animals like fish, slugs, snails, worms, among others. They also usually readily accept various commercial feeds available on the market. A varied diet must be provided to ensure excellent health, as with all turtles.

We recommend as food for the diet the pellets from Sera

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How should I feed the turtle?

For young turtles, it is recommended to feed them once a day with an amount they can eat in one or two minutes, avoiding overfeeding. It is advisable to give them one fasting day per week. For adult turtles, feeding two or three times a week is suggested.

Reproduction

The egg-laying season occurs between April and June, with an average of three eggs of considerable size (2.5 x 4 cm).

Conservation status

The population of this turtle species is being threatened due to human activity, particularly capture for culinary purposes. This has led to a decline in their population and their inclusion on endangered species lists. The destruction of their natural habitat also contributes to this issue, especially due to urbanization and agricultural expansion in their habitats.

This species is listed in Appendix III of CITES.

Other freshwater turtles

There are other species of aquatic turtles besides the Ocadia sinensis turtle. Some of these include the red-eared slider, Florida turtle, painted turtle, and snapping turtle. These turtles are popular as pets and require similar care. It should be noted that some of these species are endangered due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.