Reptile · Semi-aquatic turtle
Florida red-bellied cooter care guide
Pseudemys nelsoni
The florida red-bellied cooter is a intermediate-level semi-aquatic turtle from Florida and southeastern Georgia. Adults reach 25–35 cm shell and live 30–40 years in captivity. Mostly aquatic: needs a very large water section and plenty of greens.
- Enclosure 300 × 90 × 60 cm
- Temp Water 24–27°C, basking 32–35°C
- Humidity Not critical (aquatic)
How much does a florida red-bellied cooter cost in Canada?
Florida red-bellied cooter quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 30–40 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Florida and southeastern Georgia
- Minimum enclosure
- 300 × 90 × 60 cm (118 × 35 × 24 in, ≈ 428 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Water 24–27°C, basking 32–35°C
- Humidity
- Not critical (aquatic)
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – aquatic plants, leafy greens, pellets
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Florida red-bellied cooter enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 300 × 90 × 60 cm (118 × 35 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.
Temperature: Water 24–27°C, basking 32–35°C. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic). UVB: Required.
What does a florida red-bellied cooter eat?
Herbivore – aquatic plants, leafy greens, pellets. Feed greens daily and pellets 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy but becomes tame; avoid frequent handling.
Health watch: Shell rot, respiratory infections and vitamin A deficiency.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.
Weekly
- Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
- Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.
Yearly
- Service the pump/filter fully.
Recommended for a florida red-bellied cooter bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (300 × 90 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Malaysian Drift Wood
Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water
Cork Bark Flats
Shelter on the land section
Florida red-bellied cooter FAQ
Is the florida red-bellied cooter good for beginners?
The florida red-bellied cooter is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy but becomes tame; avoid frequent handling.
What size enclosure does a florida red-bellied cooter need?
At least 300 × 90 × 60 cm (about 118 × 35 × 24 inches, roughly 428 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a florida red-bellied cooter cost in Canada?
Typically $30–80 CAD to buy, about $2230–3970 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a florida red-bellied cooter need?
Temperature: Water 24–27°C, basking 32–35°C. Humidity: Not critical (aquatic).
What does a florida red-bellied cooter eat?
Herbivore – aquatic plants, leafy greens, pellets. Feed greens daily and pellets 2–3 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.