Red-eared Slider Turtles

Turtles have been inhabiting the earth for more than 150 million years. They were already here way earlier than humans.Today, some species of turtles have now reached to an endangered status and is now on a threatened state to be extinct.

The turtles in Cebu Zoo is the Red-eared slider. They are the most popular pet turtle in the world. The Red-eared sliders got their name from the distinctive red patch of skin around their ears and their ability to slide off rocks and into the water quickly.

Red-eared Slider Turtles. (Photo Source: World of Aquatics)

Females of this reptile are larger than the males. They grow up to 13 inches in length while males grow only up to 10 inches. However, the tail of the males is much longer and thicker with claws being elongated to have a better grip on the female's carapace during mating.They sexually mature at 5 years of age.

Scientifically called Trachemys scripta elegans, the Red-eared sliders are invasive species. They are omnivore in nature and eat both plants and animals on their habitat which includes fishes, tadpoles, snails,crickets, worms and both land and aquatic plants.

The recorded mating season for the red-eared slider turtles occurs between the months of March and July.During mating time, courtship of this reptile will take up to an hour and the intercourse would approximately take up to 15 minutes. Females do not eat much after mating and lays up to 30 eggs per clutch. They can lay up to 5 clutches per year.

Actual Photo of the Red-eared Slider Turtles  in Cebu Zoo.