Water turtles (or “red-eared” turtle) are wonderful animals that hide lots of curiosities . The reality of this species is that they became the star pet in homes, becoming mere store “products” , sold practically by weight , and not housemates.
When their new owners are aware of the numerous care they need (such as keeping their aquarium clean constantly) or their growing and unstoppable size they decide to get rid of them in the nearest river …
Despite the sad reality that these long-lived animals have had to live, turtles harbor lots of singularities that you can’t even imagine, from their shells to their sexuality … Ready to discover 10 of them?
10 curiosities of water turtles
- Their shells are not armor . Despite what the vast majority of people think, the shell of these animals is considered an external rib cage made up of about 50 bones.
- Baby sea turtles do not interact when they are born with their mother . Instinct takes them directly into the water as soon as they hatch.
- They feel when we touch them. This shell, in addition to being made up of bones, contains nerves and blood supply. This means that they can feel damage or even bleed if they are hit.
- They can not shed their shell . The cartoons that we saw as children have created the wrong image of turtles, since it is impossible for them to leave their shells.
- They reach sexuality with size , not with age. In the case of water turtles, they can take up to 50 years to reach this stage!
- There are some turtles that are predatory . They are marine and can weigh almost 100 kilos, with a sharp-ended tongue (simulating a worm) to attract and hunt their prey. They can be fish, but also birds, amphibians and even other turtles …
- As we have said, they are long- lived . Did you know that they can live up to 100 years ? But, as we know, several animal species are in danger of extinction and some ocean-dwelling turtles belong to this group.
- Some species of turtles hibernate . So we must inform ourselves so that it does not pose unnecessary stress for the turtle.
- They have a calm and laid back personality . They are not aggressive towards people, but remember! They don’t enjoy being manipulated .
- They need their habitat (at home) to consist of at least two-thirds water for swimming and one for land, so they can sunbathe.
