Husbandry and medicine of aquatic reptiles

Abstract

Any pet store in North America has a plethora of reptiles for sale. Most of these are terrestrial. However, there are a few available that must be maintained in aquatic or semiaquatic environments. Some species such as crocodilians and the larger aquatic chelonians, as well as the pelagic or marine reptiles, should be maintained at zoological parks and aquaria. Pet reptiles are those that can be maintained in glass aquaria in home table top environments. Aquatic reptiles, by the nature of their environment—water—are more difficult to keep in a homoeostatic environment. Maintaining pristine water quality is difficult because of rapid changes in the pH, increases in nitrogen levels, and algae production in the home aquarium. Most of the species do not consume all that they are offered to eat, and that excess food along with the feces produced can rapidly change the water quality.

The species of aquatic reptiles most commonly kept in captivity are the following chelonians; red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), Eastern spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemmys terrapin), Blandling’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), cooter (Pseudemys floridana), wood turtle (Clemmys insculpata), and Western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata). Rarely seen anymore in a home environment are crocodilians such as caimans and alligators. These species can be aggressive, rapidly outgrow a small aquarium, and, due to the growth rate, be difficult to feed regularly. Due to these factors, crocodilians should only be kept by expert biologists at reputable zoological parks and aquaria.