Black-spotted Side-necked Turtle

1 Overview

The black-spotted side-necked turtle (Acanthochelys spixii), also called Spix’s sideneck, is a South American chelid with a dark, yellow-speckled shell. It is a riverine species that grows large and needs ample water.

SOURCE NOTE: the source gave only ‘Spiny-neck turtle’; the correct binomial is Acanthochelys spixii.

2 Appearance

The oval carapace is dark brown to black, sprinkled with small yellow spots; the head and neck are dark with lighter markings. Adults commonly exceed 30 cm.

3 Care & Temperament

Requires a large, deep, well-filtered aquarium or pond with a basking area. Generally shy and sedentary.

Shell rot follows poor water quality; strong filtration is essential.

4 Habitat & Environment

Rivers, lagoons, and flooded areas of the Amazon. Keep warm, clean, deep water with a dry basking spot and UVB.

5 Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous: fish, insects, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. Feed in water; moderate portions.