Turtles
Cool Pond Services - Fish and Turtles
There are 6 major tips to creating a breath taking water feature! Step #6 is:
6. Wildlife!
Fish, frogs, snails, and turtles add to the magic and placidness of a pond. All ponds have the potential to become a natural ecosystem-if allowed to include some kind of wildlife. There is no need to purchase snails, or frogs-they will find you! Fish and turtles are a great way to finish off a dazzling vista and even become beloved pets.
For more Information, and other pond tips, visit Ezine Articles for helpful articles written by Nice, Cool's very own Expert Author Faith Ruiz!
Red Ear Slider Turtle
NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN FLORIDA
Peninsula Cooters
(Pseudemys floridana peninsularis)
Description: maximum length to 16 inches; top of shell (carapace) uniformly dark with pattern of parallel yellow lines stretching out toward the sides yellow markings frequently hidden by algae and moss growing on shell; high point of shell is one-third back and then slopes gradually to rear; jaw straight across rather than notched like Red-bellied Turtle
Food: young carnivorous, adults vegetarian
Habitat: permanent bodies of water such as lakes and swamps
Range: most of peninsular Florida
Breeding: digs shallow hole in loose open soil and lays 1-2 dozen eggs
Similar: Red-bellied Turtle shells are more dome shaped with high point in center while Cooter shells have high point one-third way back and more streamlined; Chicken Turtle shells have high point about one-third back but have net-like pattern of fine yellow lines; Chicken Turtles also have very long necks, striped pants, and foreleg stripe.
Yellow Belly Sliders
(Pelusios castanoides)
Description: Average adult is 5-8 inches; females are larger than males of same age. Lifespan 15-25 Years (Wild) 10-12 Years (Captivity)
Food: young carnivorous, adults vegetarian
Habitat: permanent bodies of water such as lakes, ponds and swamps
Range: east of the Rocky Mountains, primarily in southeastern states
Breeding: digs shallow hole in loose open soil
Similar: Red-bellied Turtle shells are more dome shaped with high point in center while Cooter shells have high point one-third way back and more streamlined (Chicken Turtle shells have high point about one-third back but have net-like pattern of fine yellow lines; Chicken Turtles also have very long necks, striped pants, and foreleg stripe