Spotted Turtle

1 Overview

The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is one of the most expensive water turtles – its black shell is scattered with irregular yellow spots like a starry sky. Prices often exceed RMB 1000, and fine large specimens reach RMB 2000-3000.

SOURCE NOTE: the source spelled the name ‘Clemmysguttata’; the correct binomial is Clemmys guttata. It is a small species (~14 cm), omnivorous-leaning-carnivorous, and of conservation concern.

2 Appearance

The shell is black with yellow spots whose number changes with age (older turtles may show 125+; some young have almost none). The small head also carries spots. Males have a brown chin, brown eyes and a long thick tail; females have a yellow chin, orange eyes, a shorter tail and a flatter plastron, and run slightly larger.

3 Care & Temperament

They like shallow water with ample basking and hiding spots to feel secure. In the wild they favour shallow, vegetated wetlands and are wary, usually seen in groups. In captivity provide floating islands, driftwood and plants, and avoid housing alone or with larger turtles that outcompete and stress them.

4 Habitat & Environment

Although a pond turtle, adults prefer damp land about half the time – set the enclosure roughly half water, half land. A 60 cm tank holds 2-3 adults or 4-5 juveniles; water depth 10-15 cm is enough. Use fine gravel or bare bottom; gentle filtration plus regular water changes; provide natural sun or UVB/heat lamps.

5 Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous-leaning-carnivorous: use quality aquatic-turtle pellets as staple, plus feeder fish/shrimp for enrichment. They also take insects and fruit on land. Feed adults 4-5 times weekly and dust food with reptile vitamin/calcium every two weeks.